Yes it is a sad truth but the machines we love so much do not really have the value most think. I love to tinker on old machines but once one is fixed I play hell trying to sell it for more than 25 bucks. Unless it is an in-demand or rare machine they don't sell for much at all.

*I picked up a machine today for 5 bucks. I'll fix it up and try to get 20. It's less about making money and more about getting someone interested in learning to sew. :)