Waltham Treadle... any thoughts?
 

A local second hand store as Waltham Treadle, in a base that just needs a little fixing up, and the machine needs cleaned up good, but I did see the shuttle!! They are asking $75. Is this a rare machine? I cannot find much about it online. Any and all info, thoughts and ideas welcome!

Hard to say if it's rare or not without pictures. There were several manufacturers that would make machines and put whatever brand the buyer wanted on them. Chances are your machine is a branded machine. There may not be a lot that say "Waltham" on them but plenty of the same basic machine.

Markets vary. In my market $75 for a treadle in reasonable shape isn't a bad price. The fact yours has it's shuttle is a big plus. My thoughts are that if you love it and can afford it, go ahead and treat yourself. Don't worry too much about price. How much entertainment will $75 buy elsewhere? Not a lot these days.
Rodney

I'm agreeing with Rodney on this one. I'm kind of a cheep skate but if the condition is as good as you say and you want it, why not go for it?

Joe

I did a google search, and the ones I saw with that name are National machines (does not mean the one you are talking about is one though). I'm always happy when I can get a treadle I want for under $100.

Go for it. Sounds fair. And post some pictures
Please.

These treadles cost close to $75 85 years ago. I don't think the old treadle could be made today with the same skill and workmanship for less than a few thousand if at all.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1920-AD-Sewi...-/151010748345

Jon

All four in the Add are National machines. Love the last paragraph on the second page!

Cost; the only current maker of treadle cabinets I've seen recently is the Amish. The cost of the cabinet I saw was over $400 with out the machine.

The only treadle compatible machine currently available that I know of is the Janome 712T. What do those cost; $400 ±. So to make a new treadle you're looking at nearly a thousand dollars.

From that perspective $75.00 for a vintage treadle in good shape is a bargain.

Joe

I probably overspent (ok, I DID overspend) on my treadle and it has proven to me to be worth every extra dollar. I loved her when I saw her and I still love her. I don't know if I would have enjoyed a machine so much if bought because it was "the right price" but there was no falling in love. You excitement at finding the shuttle could be a very strong indication of a long and vibrant friendship with this machine.