Worth Fixing?
#13
Originally Posted by moonrise
I inherited an older Singer machine from my great-grandmother. It was handed down to my grandmother, and then to me when my grandmother passed away a few months ago. My mom doesn't sew a lick, so she wasn't interested in it.
According to the serial number (AH783721), it was made in September 1948, and is a model/class number 15. Looks like it was made in New Jersey, and that there were 35,000 made. :)
Offhand, I know for sure that it needs a power cord and a throat plate. Looks like it needs a bobbin case too. It's in a cabinet, which is in very good structural condition, but has lots of cosmetic scratches (should be easy to refinish). The machine and cabinet were stored in my Granny's basement for years. My great-grandmother passed away in the late 70's, and I bet this machine hasn't been used at all since she was still able to sew. It's dusty and dirty, and likely has been exposed to mice, spiders, and other basement critters. >>shudder<<
Here are a few photos. Sorry they're grainy; I snapped them with my cell phone, but can get better ones if needed. :)
Oh, and my DH is very mechanically-inclined and can fix just about anything, and he's also an industrial painter, so if (BIG IF) I decide I want the machine repainted, he can do that as well.
So ... do you think it's worth fixing? It would be awesome to do it for the sentimental value (I remember sewing on it as a young child), but realistically, I wouldn't want to throw good money after bad, if it's not really worth it, if that makes sense. :)
According to the serial number (AH783721), it was made in September 1948, and is a model/class number 15. Looks like it was made in New Jersey, and that there were 35,000 made. :)
Offhand, I know for sure that it needs a power cord and a throat plate. Looks like it needs a bobbin case too. It's in a cabinet, which is in very good structural condition, but has lots of cosmetic scratches (should be easy to refinish). The machine and cabinet were stored in my Granny's basement for years. My great-grandmother passed away in the late 70's, and I bet this machine hasn't been used at all since she was still able to sew. It's dusty and dirty, and likely has been exposed to mice, spiders, and other basement critters. >>shudder<<
Here are a few photos. Sorry they're grainy; I snapped them with my cell phone, but can get better ones if needed. :)
Oh, and my DH is very mechanically-inclined and can fix just about anything, and he's also an industrial painter, so if (BIG IF) I decide I want the machine repainted, he can do that as well.
So ... do you think it's worth fixing? It would be awesome to do it for the sentimental value (I remember sewing on it as a young child), but realistically, I wouldn't want to throw good money after bad, if it's not really worth it, if that makes sense. :)
#16
Super Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Northwest Georgia
Posts: 3,272
Wow, thanks everyone! Looks like the vote is unanimous! :mrgreen:
DH is supposed to have a few days off around Labor Day. Maybe we can dig into it then, and that'll give me time to order the parts I already know it needs. :thumbup:
DH is supposed to have a few days off around Labor Day. Maybe we can dig into it then, and that'll give me time to order the parts I already know it needs. :thumbup:
#17
I'd say CLEAN IT UP - just because it's a little old looking doesn't make it less valuable.
Remembering you sewed on it when you were younger - makes it more valuable.
Clean 'er up!
Remembering you sewed on it when you were younger - makes it more valuable.
Clean 'er up!
#18
Clean it up and use it. Parts are available. Go to the Vintage Machine section here and you will have hours of reading on these oldies but goodies. If you don't want it, send it to me. Yes, worth saving. :)
#19
Power Poster
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Mableton, GA
Posts: 11,201
Having just gotten a treadle and an electric similar to yours, I say clean it up and use it. They are a pleasure to use and there is a lot of room in the throat, harp, I'm not sure the exact word so you can maneuver a pretty big quilt around.
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