good deal?
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 216
good deal?
Hi,
I found what allegedly is a 1919 Singer machine in the cabinet at a thrift store. It allegedly works. The price is $250. I have wanted to try one of these out for a while now. I know there are several things to consider with the question I'm proposing, but does anyone have any first thoughts if this is a "good deal"?
Thanks!
I found what allegedly is a 1919 Singer machine in the cabinet at a thrift store. It allegedly works. The price is $250. I have wanted to try one of these out for a while now. I know there are several things to consider with the question I'm proposing, but does anyone have any first thoughts if this is a "good deal"?
Thanks!
#2
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Greater Peoria, IL -- just moved!
Posts: 6,168
In thrift store shopping you often have to go on your gut feeling, and if it feels right I go ahead without any research.
Condition is key, you can find machines that have been sitting unused in the corner of the parlor for 100 years, or out in the barn for 100 years, or used for 100 years too. I'd say that for me, I'd be looking for perfection in the decals and the surface, that the cabinet is also in good shape, etc.
I'm cheap and I live in an area with a lot of high income people and my thrift stores are awesome and I often see some lovely machines in cabinets and regrettably can't take them all home. For me the price would be a bit high unless it made me all giddy with excitement and jump up and down!
Condition is key, you can find machines that have been sitting unused in the corner of the parlor for 100 years, or out in the barn for 100 years, or used for 100 years too. I'd say that for me, I'd be looking for perfection in the decals and the surface, that the cabinet is also in good shape, etc.
I'm cheap and I live in an area with a lot of high income people and my thrift stores are awesome and I often see some lovely machines in cabinets and regrettably can't take them all home. For me the price would be a bit high unless it made me all giddy with excitement and jump up and down!
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2020
Location: South of St Louis
Posts: 837
When you say you are wanting to try one out, do you mean any vintage machine? Or a treadle? This really turns on the condition and the model of the machine. Also, are all the parts there. If it's a common Singer treadle then unless it is in near perfect condition I would say $250 is really high.
Can you post a picture?
Can you post a picture?
#5
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 2,891
Hi,
I found what allegedly is a 1919 Singer machine in the cabinet at a thrift store. It allegedly works. The price is $250. I have wanted to try one of these out for a while now. I know there are several things to consider with the question I'm proposing, but does anyone have any first thoughts if this is a "good deal"?
Thanks!
I found what allegedly is a 1919 Singer machine in the cabinet at a thrift store. It allegedly works. The price is $250. I have wanted to try one of these out for a while now. I know there are several things to consider with the question I'm proposing, but does anyone have any first thoughts if this is a "good deal"?
Thanks!
A photo would help a lot.
I saw a great red eye go for 300.00 at an estate sale a while back. It was in really good condition and so was the cabinet.
bkay
#7
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 2,891
bkay
#10
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 9,735
I also agree that estate sales are an awesome place to find old machines. I got my white FW at an estate sale for $50. It didn't run but only needed some oil.