HELP! Model 127 Sphinx -- should I buy it?
 

I've looked at a treadle machine today that I determined to be a 1923 model 127 with the shuttle bobbin (SN G0554143). It is in a cabinet with 4 round-fronted drawers and a flip top. It is missing the front half of the plate that covers the bobbin (it seems that I can get an aftermarket version online for about $20) and the veneer on the cabinet is missing or coming up in a few places but otherwise the cabinet isn't "too bad" and would probably clean up OK. Alas, the Sphinx decals are NOT in good shape -- this machine has obviously seen a lot of use! The belt is too loose to check on the treadle mechanism but the wheel moves freely by hand and the needle and bobbin seem to move just fine. The machine raises and lowers into the cabinet nicely. There are no attachments and the treadle finish is chipped. The seller wanted $150 but I offered $100. I didn't take any photos because I didn't want to appear "too" interested.

Based on this rather scanty information, is it worth $100? I'm not a collector -- I just think it would be cool to have a machine that doesn't require electricity to run and this one is located close by. I plan to just to minimal "clean up" on the cabinet and machine.

Thank you for your advice!

I paid $75 for my 1902 model 27 with sphinx decals. The cabinet is in decent shape and it came with attachments, although they are the standard low shank attachments that are readily available. Your biggest challenge might be in locating bobbins and/or shuttle that fit your machine. I believe the 127 still used the "bullet" type shuttle, with long skinny bobbins, and those are not so plentiful.

The belt isn't a problem, those are readily available too. Personally, I think for the condition you have described, $50 would be a more reasonable offer.

In my opinion? No. It's not worth $100.00. Keep watching Craig's list and the local ebay for a nicer condition...you'll find it, and then it would be worth the money. You've listed too many flaws to be paying that much. :)

Ditto here. If it is in the condition you describe, it is a fixer upper, and a project. Make a list of it's flaws to show the seller and then perhaps offer $50. But be patient if you want a nicer sewing machine. It will find you.

Thank you JLM, Charlee, and Sweet Caroline! This is my first experience trying to evaluate a "vintage" machine and I shall heed your kind words of wisdom and "pass" on this one.

Just remember, you're always going to have to fight with folks over their machines, if they aren't experienced sewing machine dealers. People always think their vintage machine is worth buckets more than it actually is. It's up to you whether it's work it to argue with them. There's a lady on my CL trying to move a 301 in untested condition without a bobbin case and broken spool pins for $100--just because they want it doesn't mean they'll get it!