Brother in a cabinet
 

A while ago I found a brother (made in Japan) with table. It looked to be 50's or 60's and was pink. It sewed and had many accessories. I was not sure where it would fit in my tiny retirement house and didn't buy it when I saw it. Any idea what the price would be for a machine of this type and age? As you can see, I'm really sorry I didn't snatch it up. They wanted $125 at the thrift store.

It's hard say without knowing what condition it was in. I go by if I'm comfortable with the asking price. A lot of thrift stores sales do go for a good purpose. I pop in the Cancer Society's often. I would look on Craig's list in your area and keep shopping the thrift stores. But they go fast-so if you see one pay for it right away even if you have to come back and pick it up later. I also search estates sales on Craig's list in my area and you might come across another one. I did this for awhile for Featherweights and they would pop up if the person had listed it of course! Happy hunting and I hope you find one!

Well, that price sounds a little high to me....it's so hard to "price" these machines. The Japanese machines from the 50's and 60's are really quite common, even in very nice cabinets and cases. I think thrift stores do price high sometimes, and I have found that they will almost always negotiate price with you. I'd offer about $60 and see where they go from their asking price. Couldn't hurt!! Most likely it is still sitting there waiting for you!! :-) Good luck!

Sounds a little high, and you'd probably want to have it checked out and serviced. Keep looking on Freecycle and Craigslist- they turn up fairly often around here. Usually the price is $100 and up, but eventually they might come down in price. Don't be afraid to dicker a bit- mention the cost of a cleaning and checkup (about $60 for simple machines here) and you might really score a deal. Thrift stores frequently price them high but are willing to lower the cost if you ask nicely. They need to make money, and you need to save money. The older machines are usually very sturdy with metal gears. You can search around on the internet and the vintage sewing machine thread on this Board to learn a lot about which models to look for and which to avoid. There's a Lot of good info on the Board about cleaning up old machines. It's amazing what nice machines emerge from the grunge!

All, thanks for your insight. I missed the one at the local thrift store. It's ok though...my dh keeps asking me if these vintage machines will do something my current "newish" machine won't. Of course I try to convince him there a good thing ... Just because :). I have been watching vintage machines on various sites and there seems to be a trend to higher prices. The only machine that seems to be going a bit lower are the featherweights. I have seen some go high in a bid situation but then I'm no expert on the values. I'm still considering a vintage machine but I'll be careful about price based on this thread's group comments. Thanks again!

I had the same thought pass through my mind. LOL Let your brother out! I don't have any more insight on prices, but I have seen several of the older 50-60ish machines for less than $50 in the last few years. Don't forget garage sales.

My pretty turquoise machine was marked $25, but furniture was 1/2 price that week, so I paid $12.50. THe cabinet is well made, too. That being said, I paid $35 to have the cord replaced - I'm sure the motor was rewired, but I wasn't told that specifically. Plus $3 for a new belt, so it was more than $12.50 in the end. $50.50 is about what I think it's worth. Pink?? A little more, so $60 would be a good price.

$125 seems excessive. I would think $45.