Where's a featherweight?
 

Why are they so hard to find? Made by the hundreds, never wear out, stuck in the bottom of our Grandparents and Parents closets. Yet, they are elusive if you don't want to pay $400 for them. I have an itchy finger to have one, but can't find one for a reasonable sewing price. Do they actually sell for $400?

I will tell you that I got the "bug" for one and looked at many an estate sale/garage sale/flea market between here and Atlanta for years and didn't even see one, let alone one in any kind of condition for any kind of price. Back then Craigslist was not very active around here. Finally, I lucked into one in a big flea market in Alabama on my way home from Atlanta, and it had the bobbin case and was under $200. Can't remember if it was $150 or $170. Anyway, I was so happy with it, and still am. Before I knew I could service it myself I brought it to the Old Sewing Machine Guy and he cleaned it up and oiled it. It is adorable. Some people trip over them in their areas. Go figure. Good luck and I hope you find a nice one soon.

I know it's not "local" but I see them for various prices on shopgoodwill.com all the time. There's several on there now.

Joe

I often see them on kijiji (our equivalent to Craigs list) and they can be had for as little as $25 to as much as $300-400 - all in the luck of the draw so to speak.

Stitchnripper, The Ole Sewing Machine Guy was the one who informed me of their benefits. I just couldn't afford one from him. Thanks Joe, I'll check them out. Most seem to be local pickup only when I last checked but there may be one close by. GEMRM, Wow! If ever I am in Canada, I'll check there. Since I'm a FL gal, it may be a while.

Check estate auctions as well. I have only seen one in the wild for sale besides the overpriced handful on craigslist here.

I have bought several from goodwill online and have sold several on Craigslist - and yes, the prices are going up. Many like me, have a few for sale but don't want to ship - so maybe you can keep an eye on your local Craigslist. Godd hunting!

I went to one of our local antique malls today. We managed to get through less than half of it before my eyes were crossing.
I found 5 featherweights, starting price 275 and running up to 499. One looked rusty, one was missing the bobbin case.

IDK, I'm not an expert but I have been watching (since I don't have one yet and I want one), the auctions on eBay have been finishing up lower then I have expected lately. Enough that I've kicked myself on a couple.

there are quite a few on ebay I noticed. they are all over priced