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Vintage Singer sewing machines..What to look for?

Vintage Singer sewing machines..What to look for?

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Old 08-24-2011, 10:55 AM
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I'd appreciate knowing what Singer machines are good to look for in yard sales, etc. I have a Featherweight, and also a 99-13. What others are too good to pass up at yard sales? Which machines would you buy again, or not? Thanks.
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Old 08-24-2011, 11:02 AM
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Well, I have my great grandma's 66-16, its a treadle, in original cabinet, and at some point she added a motor...I love it, but it was my Ma's, too...I hear a lot of people love the "red eyes"...I think some of them are model 66's, too...but not sure which model 66, or year...I know there are a lot of knowledgeable vintage lovers on here, and they will be along soon...good luck!
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Old 08-24-2011, 11:08 AM
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I would pass up any Singers that went to plastic housings and more plastic gears etc. Stick to the more collectable, all metal beasts:> They last forever and are in higher demand.
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Old 08-24-2011, 11:58 AM
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Originally Posted by Candace
I would pass up any Singers that went to plastic housings and more plastic gears etc. Stick to the more collectable, all metal beasts:> They last forever and are in higher demand.
Amen! :lol:
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Old 08-24-2011, 12:00 PM
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301's. Rocketeers, 201's, 19-51's or 19-50's, 401's...

Almost any vintage Bernina, Elna...oops you only asked about Singers..

I've always picked up any accessories at a reasonable price, buttonholers, zig-zagers, rufflers (I must have 15 of 'em and I'd love to get rid of a few at this point, they're in almost every box!)
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Old 08-24-2011, 12:01 PM
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The Singer 301s are very prized. I have a black one and just LOVE it. I am using it much more than my modern Brother machine.

I also have a Featherweight, and just put a 66 back into a treadle. Plus a couple of others that are not useable right now, but will be eventually.

It really depends on what you like, but I certainly would NOT waste money on anything built after early 1960s, as they all went to plastic gears, etc. and are not reliable and cost more to fix than they are worth.
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Old 08-24-2011, 09:12 PM
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Originally Posted by greenini
301's. Rocketeers, 201's, 19-51's or 19-50's, 401's...

Almost any vintage Bernina, Elna...oops you only asked about Singers..

I've always picked up any accessories at a reasonable price, buttonholers, zig-zagers, rufflers (I must have 15 of 'em and I'd love to get rid of a few at this point, they're in almost every box!)

OK, I can see what the Rocketeers and others look like, but what are the 19 - 50 and 19 - 51 machines? Are the treadle machines? For some reason, I can't get them to come up in google.
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Old 08-24-2011, 09:13 PM
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Originally Posted by Candace
I would pass up any Singers that went to plastic housings and more plastic gears etc. Stick to the more collectable, all metal beasts:> They last forever and are in higher demand.
Yes, this! :thumbup:
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Old 08-24-2011, 09:29 PM
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been looking for a good old singer for sometime now. just because I learned how to sew on one 40 years ago.also need a good machine for sewing leather.thanks ciecie
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Old 08-24-2011, 09:32 PM
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Originally Posted by Janis
Originally Posted by greenini
301's. Rocketeers, 201's, 19-51's or 19-50's, 401's...

Almost any vintage Bernina, Elna...oops you only asked about Singers..

I've always picked up any accessories at a reasonable price, buttonholers, zig-zagers, rufflers (I must have 15 of 'em and I'd love to get rid of a few at this point, they're in almost every box!)

OK, I can see what the Rocketeers and others look like, but what are the 19 - 50 and 19 - 51 machines? Are the treadle machines? For some reason, I can't get them to come up in google.
I think she means 15-91. They are great machines!
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