What is your 1950 singer sewing machine worth?

Answer 1

purchased singer sewing machine at yardsale for $20.00 has a serial #AK313497 Cabinet model its electric with builtin foot pedal wondering what it is wortg >

The value of this sewing machine is zero ($0.00). There is nothing wrong with that particular make or model. Ninety-nine percent of these older, electro-mechanical sewing machines aren't worth anything because the cost of having it serviced approaches or exceeds the price of a NEW machine from a discount store. A new $89 machine will do everything the old one does and more. An old machine that has been stored away for years always requires service, even though it appears to sew ok for a quick test. All the grease and oil which lubricated the machine has either hardened or turned to varnish. This gunk has to be cleaned out and the machine lubricated else the machine will jam and break threads on the first project. Although older machines might be constructed from mostly metal, this alone doesn't make them "better" than a new machine having a lot of plastic parts. Mass produced, consumer goods from yesteryear have all same short comings of modern mass produced, consumer goods. They cut corners to save cost. You don't find out what these corners are until you have a problem. You are unlikely to break a new machine but if you do then you can take it back. Breaking an old machine will lead you down a path of frustration. You'll discover that the "all metal" machine has little plastic gears and a rubber timing belt, both of which have become fragile with age. This is why there is little to no market for old sewing machines. When you own an old sewing machine that you must get rid of, feel satisfied if you find it a good home; otherwise it will end up in a landfill. Of course, you can always stick it to someone by asking a high price for the machine than laying in wait for someone who doesn't know how to value such items. This happens all the time in antique stores.

Answer 2

I don't really know the true value but I, just today, purchased this very year of singer. All I need it for is upholstery work, so the fact that it is only a "straight stitch" machine is fine. I paid $100 and it is in a table that the machine can fold down into and is in very nice shape. I have seen people say $50, but I am happy.

Answer 3

they vary in price according to the condition of the machine..some not many go for $75.00.. Majority go for around $125-150.00. Excellent condition 200.00.. this is now at the end of 2011. as more people start to desire a strong gear driven vintage Singer, their price steadily rises..go to Ebay and click on completed listings and enter Singer 301 and you will see the range..Pictures are very hard to tell at times what the condition is..also additional items such as the original grass cloth case and accessories available will influence the worth of the particular machine..and finally like everything else it's worth what someone is willing to buy it for..

Answer 4

It depends on the model of the machine, it's condition and where you are. The best way I've found to get a ballpark figure is to go to ebay and do a search on sold items, not completed ones.

Most sewing machines from the 20th century don't have a really high value because they were made in the millions. One of the exceptions to this is the Singer Featherweight, the model 221. It has retained it's value because it's lightweight, sews a marvelous straight stitch, and the quilters love it. But even a Featherweight in bad condition(bad paint, scratched, etc, not sewing) is not going to bring a lot of money.