The short answer is it's worth whatever someone is willing to pay for it. Now here's the long answer - What condition it's in, whether it's been serviced recently, case or cabinet, whether the manual and accessories are with it, what part of the country, how rare the model is(most aren't), what color it is, how bad the seller really wants to sell it, what day of the week it is, what phase the moon is in, depends on who you ask, etc...all can be part of determining what a sewing machine is worth. Only you can decide how much you're willing to spend.

Cari

Follow up and Cari's value comment.

Level of advertising is a huge factor too. Last weekend I went chasing a Rocketeer. CL listing under garage sale. "sewing machine" was the second fuzzy picture. Nothing to even indicate Singer unless you were a fan. It was in a town of 300. 15 miles away from the nearest stoplight. And the actual sale was a "make an offer" sale at a motorcycle shop. Seller didn't know what he had. All factors in my favor. I made an offer for the 500 in a cabinet with manuals and two sets of cams. He upped my offer by $5.00. Bingo.. oh wait. my GF was faster with her money. Giggle. I won't tell you the purchase price, but it would make many of you groan. Someday I'll have to get a pic of her 500 by my 503.

Leon

Edison Machine
 

I have this machine but it is called Edison. Mine doesn't have the crown on the bed but the rest looks the same! I am trying to find out info on it, don't have the book. I think my mom bought it in 1959 but not sure. Would love to have more info. Any help appreciated.[ATTACH=CONFIG]573991[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]573992[/ATTACH]

Somewhere on this thread is a generic manual.
I made screen shots of your machine controls. So I'll explain them the rest will be generic and you can find that information by reading the thread.
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This is your zig zag control. You turn the big knob to zig zag what ever you want and can change it as you sew by turning the knob to larger or smaller stitches as you sew to get different designs or appliqué or fancy calligraphy lettering. If you want to lock it in place slide one of the two little lever knobs where ever you want the stitches set and tighten the knob. You have to release them in order to go back to straight sewing or to change the width of the zig zag stitches. Right now it looks like it might be set so turn the nut on the ends of the two lever knobs and release the zig zag so it will sew straight again. Pretty simple once you play with it a minute. If you want to reset it, turn the knob how ever wide you want, set the levers, tighten and you are back to zig zag. Release them etc. pretty simple and straight forward.

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Stitch length. Turn knob to change the stitch length. R is reverse. Pretty straight forward.
Below is two buttons. Push the one that says up to sew anything. The down button is for free motion sewing or darning and the feed dogs will not be activated.

Your generic manual will show you how to thread it and how to use the bobbin.

Have a thing for the vintage Japanese made machines. Will try and figure out how to post pics. Thanks for yours Miriam!

Thanks. The icon with the tree gets you to the picture place.

I got a machine yesterday just like this one but it is badged Sew Vac. It is also a JA-33, J-C5, UE81, KK, model 750 with serial number 09813. Same pretty blue color. I am trying to identify what japanese factory made it and what company badges sew vac. I think our machines are cousins!

Copy of manuel
 

I have the same sewing machine and your right , Ive had trouble finding any info on this machine beside a picture as a tease .. I have model 88 and cannot find the Manuel , but blessed to have seen yours. It just about identical.
Esmeralda

Can anyone please offer any information on this incredible machine? It's my Mom's and she's had it since the early 1970s. The tag says Kingston by Brother. I can't find a model number on it anywhere. Any help is appreciated, thanks![ATTACH=CONFIG]582378[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]582379[/ATTACH]

What kind of info are you looking for? Pretty much it's what you see is what you get. Straight stitch machine built by Brother, uses 15 class bobbins and 15x1 needles available everywhere(though I only use vintage metal bobbins as new ones aren't any good). The belt looks a little tight. Sewing machine belts shouldn't be tight. Should be a good machine.

Cari

I posted a reply on the clone thread. It also takes a class 15 bobbin and bobbin case.

New here. Thanks to the admins for helping with registration. Just purchased a Remington Zig Zag 100 Plus De Luxe at a local sale for a mere $20. I wanted this one because it is heavy enough to sew patches and other heavy materials. Tested it on a piece of scrap before making the deal. Missing the bobbin and holder but it seems to be the same as my wife's Singer. Still need to figure out how to thread but everything else seems ok. Any idea where I might find a book? Not sure how to include a picture yet.

Your machine looks exactly like the Remington I just got. Do you have a manual or can you at least send me instructions on how to thread?
Having trouble finding any information on this one.

The best way to find a manual for a Japanese machine is to go to the manual sites (Tias, sewing parts online, do a search) and look at the drawings until you find one that looks like your machine. Those Japanese machines were often sold under many different names, so the manual could say anything on the cover. One of my machines was sold under at least 6 different names. My machine is badged as a "Lenco". The manual says Sewmor 711 automatic zigzag. It's the same machine, though.

bkay

Thanks. That's more or less what I've been doing for the past couple of days. Just haven't found anything real close to it yet.

I think you will find your machine as "Deluxe Zig Zag #26" at http://www.sewusa.com/Sewing_Machine...g_Machines.htm I couldn't find the threading diagrams for that exact machine, but I would guess that it would be similar to http://www.sewusa.com/Threading_Diag...ng_diagram.htm Some of the bobbin threading diagrams are not that clear, but I usually have threaded the class 15 bobbins so thread is winding the same direction as the slot is pointing and then bring it back 180 degrees through the slot and under the spring. I have never ordered anything from there, but it sure is a good resource for threading diagrams and looking at images of a variety of machines.

As for posting pictures, there are good instructions with images and arrows at post #5 of https://www.quiltingboard.com/vintag...e-t230442.html You will probably need to resize your image. I use Microsoft Office Picture Manager on my Windows 8.1 laptop. One of the options to "Edit Pictures" is Resize. I had been resizing by percentage and then found that there is a "predefined size" drop down list that gives a variety of options. I found that "Web Large" is a good size to post here. Then "Save As" with a different name. Then do not save "original changes" (option when close program) so still have original size.

Janey - Neat people never make the exciting discoveries I do.

Thank you for the info. That is a very good image of my machine. The threading is right on. As for the pictures, pretty sure you are correct about resizing. Looked at the properties of the files and they are way too big for most discussion boards. I'll get on resizing one of them later today and get it posted. I did get it to do some test stitching last night and am impressed with the ease of operation. Thanks again for your help.

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Ok, got the picture loaded by resizing it.

:thumbup: Congratulations. That is a nice looking machine. Glad I could help.

Janey - Neat people never make the exciting discoveries I do.

I do have one more question if anyone happens to know. What is the age of this machine? It's not overly important, just curious.

Unless someone has documentation on a machine just like it the best we can say is mid to late 1950s.

Cari

Hi, I found this photo while looking for info on my own sewing machine. It looks nearly identical and is also stamped with J-C5, but is model #750. My mother gave it to me. It had been a graduation gift from her grandmother. She believes was purchased in 1972. Have you found any more information about your machine?

No, nothing new. Been busy with other projects and of course turkey day. There seems to be many versions of this machine.

I'm back with another question. Was trying to do a little work with this machine and ran into a question. The needle is to the left of the center on the foot. It sews ok but I find it hard to concentrate on my line and the work tends to wander. You can see in the picture where the needle is not centered. The only way I can seem to center is by adjusting the zig zag but then I don't get a straight stitch. The only other thing I can think is perhaps the wrong foot is mounted (I only have the one). Still learning about this machine and being a novice at sewing does not help. Thanks

Nope your machine is fine and has the right foot. You have what's called a left-homing or left needle machine. Straight stitch is done in left needle position. Great for garment sewing, not so much for quilt piecing.

Cari

Thanks Cari. I've never noticed a left homing machine before. So much to learn, so little time.

I did my own modification today to center the foot. Removed the two tiny screws on the foot and replaced them with a pin and offset the foot slightly to the left. then I opened the hole a little to the right with a small grinder in case I still want to use the zig zag. End result is I am very slightly to the right of center but that is ok with me. Gives me a much better view while straight line sewing.

I realize this is an old post but just now seeing these “wallpapers”. Five years later, they are still great! Great and Thanks for making.

Did some sewing on some vinyl fabric the other day. While my talent is still lacking, the machine performed exactly like I hoped it would. I'm trying to make a custom seat cover for a old motorcycle. Nothing fancy but it has to pull tight over some foam and a metal frame. I was just happy to see the machine work this well on a heavy material. If my results turn out good, I will post a picture.

I picked up a Federal straight stitch 15 clone this weekend. The only thing notable about is was accessories that look like they have never been used. That and the deadly power cord. I haven't played with it yet.





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[ATTACH=CONFIG]598264[/ATTACH]

Nice. I don't see the adapter that is needed for the hemmers, binder and edge stitcher, unless it is in the upper left corner, turned so I can't tell for sure.

Nice looking oil tin, too -- IF the nozzle stays on.


Janey - Neat people never make the exciting discoveries I do.

Oil can looked brand new. Even had a washer with it. I have a lot to learn about attachments.

Did anyone else notice the face under the helmet on the left? Ok, I know I'm twisted...

[ATTACH=CONFIG]598296[/ATTACH]

I have just scrolled through the pages of this thread.....so many pretty machines!
I rescued this girl while digging through piles at a barn sale last year, maybe 2 years ago....I have learned so much here-thanks for sharing so much info! After taking her apart and cleaning, and oiling, she now stitches beautifully! My 8 yr old grand daughter wants to sew with me, so this machine will be hers. Maybe! I love the teal color.
Anywhooooo....any suggestions on finding a carrying case top? I think this one is beyond repair. I have scrubbed and scrubbed. Can I recover it? I have done some googling, and cannot find anything for sale....probably not searching with correct terms.

That's a pretty one, I love the two toned clones. As for the case, lots of people strip, repair and recover the wood cases with Tolex, heavy vinyl, fabric, or even decoupage with paper. I'm not a big fan of most that I see but it's your case, do what makes you happy.

Cari

Or buy another machine that has a case it will fit, use the top for this one and sew up a cover for the new one. Then you get to play with another machine.

One fine spring day last year I answered a local ad. The gentleman was cleaning out his garage and had this old sewing machine. So I brought it home, cleaned it up, and had it purring along by the end of the week. Then my friend Greg stopped by. He has the same VSM affliction and it's always a highly entertaining visit as we compare adventures. He reaches into his truck and pulls out a box full of machine stuff to trade, and asks me if I had any idea what kind of machine might take this funky little cam set...

[ATTACH=CONFIG]598511[/ATTACH]

That's them in the right bottom corner -----------------------^

The machine is a White model 3354 and it's easier to find the Remington branded twin.

Hi, great thread. I own a Stradivaro 139 DeLuxe ZigZag. It's blue and white, works well, cost me $5 at a yard sale some years ago. I use it for repairing sails and making covers for my boat. I believe it dates to about 1962. "Stradivaro" was here on Long Island, and took pains to conceal the origin of the machine. There is a sticker over the part of the nameplate that says "Made in Japan", and the same print underneath is scratched nearly off. The machine has a matching case, and even originally had a blue belt. All of it's feaures work, but it lacks the power to punch through thick sailcloth. Pushing it to do so has caused the clutch to slip occasionally. Recently I cleaned the clutch plate which helped.

Hi, and welcome to QB. Yeah, pushing a domestic household machine beyond its intended use is a good way to wear it out before its time. This machine really wasn't built for what you use it for.

Cari