KathyJB

We popped in to an estate sale and the had a Singer model 15. I was told it worked good this morning but before I even knew it was plugged in I turned the handwheel since I didn't see thread in the needle and it was kinda tight.
My son told me it was plugged in and I tried the knee control and it was sporadic like it was sizing up? Would you buy it? They want 100 but said 75 when I told them about the problem. Maybe offer 50 and hope thread is stuck in the bobbin? This has the potted motor so I'm really excited

KathyJB

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leonf

I wouldn't be in any hurry to bring it home for $50.00 Can you wait till the last hours of the sale? Offer 20? That tensioner hasn't had any love for a long time. I'd expect fuzz everywhere inside it. Maybe I'm spoiled by the number of 15s in Ks.

KathyJB

Ooooh, that's gonna be hard.

bkay

It looks to me that it's been "rode hard and put up wet". It's dirty. The deals are worn. You'll have a lot of cleaning to do. Whatever is wrong with it will probably work out with a good cleaning and oiling, but it might not.

Does it have attachments? What kind of cabinet is it in? Is there a stool?

I wouldn't go beyond $50 for it unless it's in a Queen Anne cabinet or an Art Deco cabinet.

It's going to be a lot of work and won't be pristine when you finish.

There was a pristine 15-91 at an Estate Sale in Dallas last week that went for $90.00. It was in a 65 cabinet with a stool. The owner had covered the seat with plastic, so even that was still perfect. It looked like it had never been used, it was so shiny and clean. I didn't turn the hand wheel or anything, but it looked perfect. If that machine was a 10 in appearance, this one is a 4 or less.

bkay

65 cabinet: http://ismacs.net/singer_sewing_mach...ny/65_cab.html

sewbizgirl

It's probably all gunked up and will run freely when cleaned with some liquid wrench and then new oil. Needs lots of cosmetic cleaning too. Too much work to pay $75... Let them sit on it til the last day and then see what you can get it for. OR wait for another one.

The table looks nice.

Cari-in-Oly

I'd pay $50 for it if I was in the market for one, but only if I couldn't get it for less. That one has purely cosmetic issues, nothing a good cleaning won't cure. It'll never be pristine but looks don't make a machine like this, performance does.

Cari

KathyJB

Thanks for your advice. I keep telling myself, you have an awesome 201, you have an awesome 201

miriam

Around here fully serviced, it might bring 100. That one has ssssooooo not been serviced. Add a service fee to the cost and pay accordingly.

Mickey2

It looks like it's in a nice cabinet; dirty but still in nice condition (signs of use and age, but not rusty or worn down). The cabinet adds to the value, as well as any accessories that might be there. If these machines were few and far between it would sell right away, but they turn up for $50-60 regularly (regardless of condition, but within reason of course). Most sell for this amount, with or with out cabinet or accessories. Less than that you have to keep an eye out and have patience. In the odd case they are free, saved from the garbage heap in the nick of time. Once fixed up, it will serve you for life as well as one of your grand children, and with very little upkeep. I bought my 201 in cabinet for about $75, it needed quite a bit of cleaning, oiling and a few replacement parts. I have never regretted the time and money I spent on it, it's turned out to be my favorite machine.