Never heard of myself so I goggled it -
Here's about the guy who wrote it:
http://www.vdta.com/HOF/Ridderhoff.html

Here is people's questions being answered using it as reference:
http://sewvacdoctor.com/cate.asp?categoryID=15

Sorry double post. Have to doubt his price - one the of the answers from So-Vac about a 401a has the Blue Book value at $50 - $200, depending on. condition.

Interesting...for someone calling himself "SewVac Doc" he doesn't seem to know much... (2nd link)

Here is another one: http://zanesville.craigslist.org/atq/2813400953.html

What a mess!

That sure would be a good reference when making offers on vintage machines. Reminds me of the time years ago when I asked someone what I should ask for a horse I was selling. His answer, "so much a pound and the amount of sentimental value you have for the horse."

A local sewing machine repair guy pulled the blue book out when I asked about something. Seem to me the book is way off in its evaluations of machines. It was interesting to see, though.

http://centralmich.craigslist.org/atq/2842350506.html

And it comes with directions for making lace!!!

I've got the same machine and the same cabinet. Got mine free from a fellow Treadle-on-er. It needed a new hinge on one of the sides, but that cost about $20 (for two, I only needed one but that's the way the hinges come). I wish I had attachments though. The pictues are about how to attach lace to a garment, not how to make lace!

Whites aren't as popular as Singers, but I have a personal fondness for them since I learned to sew on my grandmother's White electric Family Rotary machine.

Pam

LOL your's just went up in value...

I had a chance to buy the same machine, but passed it over for the 1889 New Home. It sure wasn't that price - I think they may have wanted $30- maybe the difference was the lace making instructions. Oh well, I already have a great book in making lace and doing embroidery by Singer - all done on treadle machines!