Appraise, identifying and / or dating information for a vintage sewing machine

The information in this listing is largely based on an article which was written by D.A. Brumleve, who is no longer with us.

How much is my machine worth?

Let’s say that you've got Grandmother’s treadle sewing machine and you don’t want it. Your sister doesn't want it. Your daughter doesn't want it. And your daughter says, hey, that's an antique! I bet it's worth something! Something is more than nothing, and your machine probably is worth something to somebody somewhere.

But how much, to whom and in what venue?

How do you determine the monetary value of something you didn't buy, don't know how to use, and don't want to keep? You can always consult a professional sewing machine appraiser, which I am. You'll pay a fee, of course, and there's a significant risk that the fee could be more than the value of the machine. And, of course given the economy and other conditions beyond my control, a sewing machine may not bring my opinion of its value.

First, it's important to consider the kind of value your machine might have to a buyer. Consider those qualities of your machine which will appeal to a prospective buyer. The reason for the buyer's purchase will greatly influence the range of monetary value you might expect to receive and may help determine the best marketing approach and venue for your sale.

If it's really your grandmother's machine, it could have some sentimental value to someone in her family or in her acquaintance. And any working sewing machine has utilitarian value for people who sew. A pretty sewing machine with a beautiful cabinet or case may well have decorative value to some potential buyers. Included here are machines whose decoration and form provide a striking example of a period style, such as high Victorian, Art Deco, Art Nouveau, Arts and Crafts, etc.

Very old machines and machines which represent an important milestone in the sewing machine industry may have historical value. These would include most very early machines, from the mid 1800s, by both obscure and well known manufacturers, and a few later machines. Also included under this heading are machines which have been owned by someone of historical significance, assuming that provenance can be established.

And then there is collector's value. Most collections have a focus of some kind, whether intentional or not. A machine which has historical value will always be of interest to some collectors, but there are also those who focus on machines with decorative and/or utilitarian value. Some collectors limit their collection to a given manufacturer. In the United States, Singer is unquestionably the most often collected brand. Some collect only hand cranked machines, others only treadles. Some collect only very small or toy machines. Some collect only from a specific time period. Some collect machines based on the country of origin.

A real boat anchor of a sewing machine, with little potential for restoration, may still have value for its parts. Both collectors and people who sew seek out broken or incomplete machines in order to restore a better example of the same machine which is missing parts. They are looking for parts machines. The potential monetary value of a parts machine will be greatly influenced by the value of a good example of the same machine.

Now, how does all this translate into monetary value? On a given day, a sewing machine is worth only what a particular seller can sell it for, to a particular buyer, in a particular venue. Value is not fixed, but fluid. Even so, it's a good thing to consider that relatively few machines today command prices in the hundreds of dollars and very, very few sewing machines will bring thousands of dollars.

With reference to the history of your machine, was the manufacturer financially successful? Were many of these machines made? Do many survive? Rarity is a major influence on value, as is condition. Is your machine post WWII or is it from earlier in the 20th century? Is it from the 19th Century? Age is a factor that impacts on rarity. The first practical sewing machine was invented in 1851. The closer to that date a given machine was made, the more it will likely be worth.

Most 20th century machines were made in the millions and most survive in great numbers. In most cases, this will hold down retail value. Some 20th century machine names on the machines are rare, but the machine model itself is likely to be common because it was distributed under a number of names. This is referred to as badging and is something that I can research for you. Also please be aware that most 20th century machines have a greater value as a piece of useful equipment than as a collector's item. As a rule, machines made of plastic and machines made in Japan command garage sale prices.

Suppose you've followed these guidelines and have discovered that your machine is worth very little money. Should you just throw it away? Not necessarily. Nearly all machines could be useful to someone, somewhere for parts. Sometimes the parts will bring more than the whole machine. In fact; slide plates, cams, wheels, etc. from a 20th century Singer are especially sought after, as these are commonly in actual use today and replacement parts are getting harder to find. Collectors also seek out parts machines to restore both common and uncommon 19th century machines.

Finally, a machine owned by a family member may well be worth more in sentiment than in dollars. If you find that your machine will not bring riches, consider letting it bring pleasure instead. Even if closer relatives have rejected it, you could seek further: a grandchild, niece, nephew, or cousin might greatly enjoy a gift of your machine.

Because I am getting so many requests to provide information on, identify and date sewing machines, I simply can not continue taking the time to do the required research for free.

In order for me to try to appraise, identify and / or date your vintage cast metal sewing machine, I will need several good quality photos from you. I need them to be 150 dpi and 300 to 400 pixels in size. That way there is quite a bit of detail and they fit nicely on my monitor for viewing. I must know if it sews and be able to determine if it is complete.

• I will need to see the overall head from the front and, the back side of it, as well as clear, close up photos of any writing or other information on it.
• A close up photo of the stitch length lever area
• A close up photo of the upper tension area
• Close up photos of the slide plates and the needle plate
• Close up photos of the lower bobbin and shuttle area from the under side of the machine and photos of the rest of the bottom / underside of the machine
• The motor and that area, if there is one
• And at least one over all view of it in the cabinet, case or base.