How old does a sewing machine have to be to be called vintage?
#11
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 8,091
That's what I was taught: At least 100 years old to be an antique.
Cars are classed as 'vintage' if they're at least 25 years old, and Etsy allows you to list anything as vintage if it's 25 years old (not that Etsy's an ideal reference) but like Joe, I'd find it hard to think of a 1990 plastic sewing machine as vintage (well, without laughing a bit).
Cars are classed as 'vintage' if they're at least 25 years old, and Etsy allows you to list anything as vintage if it's 25 years old (not that Etsy's an ideal reference) but like Joe, I'd find it hard to think of a 1990 plastic sewing machine as vintage (well, without laughing a bit).
Joe
#12
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Sonoma County, CA
Posts: 4,299
I think my very first sewing machine is from 1994 - that's the year I moved out of my parent's house. I tend to agree with most of you here, in my mind a "vintage" machine is not computerized and is at least MOSTLY metal. My 1994 machine is a Kenmore (made by Janome) and it's right on the cusp of that description. Most of its guts are metal and it's all mechanical, but it's got a white plastic body that screams "cheap modern machine". I've abused the hell out of that poor thing (mostly through ignorance), and it still sews great so IMO it's actually a pretty solid little machine but I'm not sure I'd call it vintage.
Mostly I think I'm having a hard time thinking that something I bought new as an "adult" is now old enough to be "vintage". I turn 40 in a few weeks and I'm in a little bit of denial, LOL.
Mostly I think I'm having a hard time thinking that something I bought new as an "adult" is now old enough to be "vintage". I turn 40 in a few weeks and I'm in a little bit of denial, LOL.
#16
Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Beaverton OR
Posts: 80
old sewing machine
[ What does one do with an old sewing machine, in a cabinet, 1952 Domestic? My Kids are not interested in sewing.
At one time I talked to a dealer and he said there was no value, people want modern machines, but he would service it and donate to a women's shelter.
Would you say that it is worthless?
At one time I talked to a dealer and he said there was no value, people want modern machines, but he would service it and donate to a women's shelter.
Would you say that it is worthless?
#17
Power Poster
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Corpus Christi, Tx.
Posts: 16,105
I'm still keeping my eye out for older machines like my 401 (metal). I have learned more about my machines since becoming a member of this board. Joined in 2013. Thanks to all the members for adding more info to my brain than I thought could be.
#20
I think I like #9 for vintage the best - and that would knock out the plastic ones because they don't represent high quality. It has to have stood the test of time - I have every reason to believe my vintage machines will be around and working when they get old enough to be considered Antiques - the rest are just old junk
representing the high quality of a past time:vintage cars; vintage movies.
representing the high quality of a past time:vintage cars; vintage movies.
My 1994 machine is a Kenmore (made by Janome) and it's right on the cusp of that description. Most of its guts are metal and it's all mechanical, but it's got a white plastic body that screams "cheap modern machine". I've abused the hell out of that poor thing (mostly through ignorance), and it still sews great so IMO it's actually a pretty solid little machine but I'm not sure I'd call it vintage.
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