What are rare machines I should be looking for?
 

I am impressed with my purchase this week, but I am new to this, and seem to be in am area where not a lot of people correct machines therefore I lot of jems for cheap.

I am looking for suggestions for sewing machines that would be great to be in my collection.

right now I have a 1936 Singer, blue brother precision, 1960's imperial zig zag, 1948 singer featherweight, and 1947 singer featherweight.

That is a terrific question.

It depends where your passion is. You may want to specialize in collecting just one brand, or broaden your interest to many. You will also have to consider time period...do you want the very old 1800 machines, or more modern ones. You can collect the best of the best, or the obscure and forgotten. American made, German, Italian, English..the list goes on and on. Do you treadle, or like electric machines. Give it some thought, and then we all can narrow down your selection. I started with a Singer 301, and now have machines from all time periods and countries. I have found that I like the Bernina's, but beyond that I love the very old like the Singer 12 and Willcox and Gibbs, Davis, Pfaffs, Elna's.....the list goes on. There are so many great machines out there, consider narrowing it down or you will end up with so many you'll open a museum!!!

Just some initial thoughts. PS, take a look at the machine gallery, it may inspire you. Good Luck and we'll be here to support you.

Collect what appeals to you!!!

My interests lie in the machines that are purely mechanical, although I've got a few electric machines that I've begun tinkering with.

I see something I like, then I start researching it. Is it really what the seller says it is? Is it worth what the seller is asking (and what I'm willing to pay). If it needs parts, are they available?

I have to LIKE it first. Although I did pick up an UGLY crinkle 128 centennial blackside machine recently (only after finding out what blackside was), got it dirt cheap. The wires are so fried and melted that I told the guy he should pay me to take it off his hands or else I'd call OSHA ... so I got it for $5.00. My only intention with this one is to flip it. I think the crinkle machines are butt ugly (with the exception of the embossed white).

Just keep looking around ... see what you like ... also see what you like tinkering with. I love my Spartan now that I got my fear of electricity out of my system.