Sew-Rite Salesman sample?
 

I saw a Sew-Rite M7 Salesman's Sample machine in an antique shop today. It was priced at $75 dollars and said it worked great. It is in clean condition. Does anybody know anything about these machines? What attracted me to it was the small size (less than 12" long) and clean condition. However, didn't want to take it home without asking the more knowledgable folks first. What do you all think? Should I drive back over there and buy it or leave it?

At least go back and take pictures so we can all dream about it. Bet it is cuter than a button.

If I go back for it I might as well buy it.....it's an hour away. It's a grey color and squarish.....so not as pretty as some machines. I do like that small size though!

Well, it's a Hamilton Ross I guess (based on my google search). It does NOT have it's case or a needle. I only found 2 currently for sale in my web search, both with cases. One for $200 (craigslist) and one for $45 (another auction site). So that doesn't tell me much. I wish I had had my camera with me, but didn't.

Looking at the internet listings for this machine, it looks like it was primarily meant as a young person's machine, or as a real small portable. They are cute...no doubt about it. I would think $75 is a little high.

Thanks jljack. BTW, there is no foot peddle. Is it simple an on/off situation?

I am thinking that without the case and the foot controller you should pass on it. Or offer $10.00 at the most, explaining that without the foot controller you would not even be able to test drive it. The person selling it might be might be insulted but it is not worth the $75.00 they are asking.

Yep, the more I look at the pictures, think about what was on the machine I saw, and look at what is supposed to be on the machine, I see this machine is way over priced. No foot pedal, no belt, no needle, no case = unusable. A fully loaded one can be found for $40. Thanks everyone for helping me think this one through. Glad I left it there!!!

I have a couple of the Salesman's samples and yes they "are cute as a button". One is a Singer, it just has the hand wheel. Can't tell if it has a needle. The other two are on a high shelf. There were often confused with children's sewing machines. The other two may be for children. I've been thinking about taking my Singer to get cleaned up and in working condition.