I need your help and advice. TNX
 

:o
I am going to attend an auction in two weeks which has "several old sewing machines". Being new at this I ask for your advice on what to look for and approximate values. Do you have advice or perhaps I should say warnings about what not to buy? Help!

You might look though the vintage thread to see prices people have paid for some of their machines. I know for example some of the more common machines generally can be had for $50 or less - with and without a treadle cabinet. I got mine (a 66 treadle with cabinet) for $40 and it needed a lot of elbow grease. I also purchased an excellent condition (and recently used and loved) 115 for $75 without cabinet.

Sewing machine values...http://www.ismacs.net/sewing_machine...ine_worth.html

are you hoping to get a machine to use or are you shopping for a machine to resell?
values vary alot- dependant on location, condition, age...
i picked up a wonderful 1956 singer 99-k in great shape- clean- works great- good case ect at a yard sale for $20! i've seen them dirty, worn cords, damaged cases listed for 10 times that-
if looking for an electrical machine - check the wiring, the foot pedal, overall condition, make sure the wheel turns, the needle goes up & down, what attachments are included- then you have to set your own budget- what are you willing to pay?
i spent 3 years looking for my (perfect 2nd machine) my hubby would see them here & there & show me- we would go over them- sometimes they would be $50, sometimes $250=== he would always tell me as i climbed back into the car- you can have it if you want it---to which i would say---i know- but that's not the one...he would find me very frustrating at times :)
then one day we walked into this garage---and there is was!!! i lifted the case---it was so pretty! so clean- so well taken care of & loved- i tentively asked...(how much?)
the lady said---would you give me $20 for it???
OMG!!! my hubby was pulling out his wallet with a huge grin on his face! finally i had found the machine i'd been looking for!
i have a sister in law who is very happy with & proud of her 99-K which she paid $150 for - she loves it & feels she got a great deal---
it's all dependant on you- your budget- what it is worth to you! for me- that was the best $20 i've ever spent!

For me, condition is everything. Cosmetic appearance is one thing, but if the machine does not work, IMHO it has little value past being a door stop. That said, I often take non-working machines and restore them, even if it means re-wiring, and more beyond a general service. Bottom line, a working machine is worth more than one that does not.
I once had a fellow try to tell me that a filthy, and I mean covered with dirt, machine worked because he could force the wheel to make the needle rise. I guess he did not notice that the wires had been eaten by a critter, the bobbin case was missing, and we won't even get into the motor! If that happens, go ahead and make a bet that if the seller can get the machine to work right then and there, you'll pay what he asks, and if not, you get the machine for free. That is, if you'd want it.