White...2 models
#11
Honestly, I see the progression of models come and go. About the only Singer machines that I'd call rare to find are 301 and Featherweight. People know those are worth money. Rocketeers are popular with the hipsters, due to the styling and their passion for Mid Century Modern decor.
#12
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 8,091
Hey There LocoBovine333, I'm not a hipster and I got two Rocketeers. How does that skewer your theory?
I'm just teasing. I haven't seen near what you have seen but I can see where your analysis is sound. Things changed drastically in the years following WW II and the average families disposable income has oscillated greatly and finally taken a great plunge. Those well off don't sew any more, those in the middle don't have the time, and those at the bottom go to WalMart and thrift stores.
Those of us that are left are hoarding the old machines to keep them running and out of the scrap dealers hands.
JMHO
Joe
I'm just teasing. I haven't seen near what you have seen but I can see where your analysis is sound. Things changed drastically in the years following WW II and the average families disposable income has oscillated greatly and finally taken a great plunge. Those well off don't sew any more, those in the middle don't have the time, and those at the bottom go to WalMart and thrift stores.
Those of us that are left are hoarding the old machines to keep them running and out of the scrap dealers hands.
JMHO
Joe
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Spring Hill, Tennesee
Posts: 497
White Machines
There has been a recent resurgence in White machines. They used to be little orphans, but people have found, restored and moved them up in class because they are good machines and sew well. They are going up in price as more folks have tried them. The Singer 301 used to be cheap and plentiful, but they have become very popular. The same thing is now happening with the Whites. Some of the folks here on this site know where to get manuals and information. I think they can help direct you in that regard. Sew Classic.com has the rubber tires and Tri-flow oil for a start. They also have gear grease too. All the old machines love oil, within reason of course. Never use 3 in one oil as it gets nasty over time. I just rescued a White machine just like the brown one and now need a cabinet for it. I learned to sew on an old White Rotary treadle. All of my school clothes were made on it. Thank you for saving your machines.
Donna
Donna
#15
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Centralia, WA, USA
Posts: 4,890
The best thing I can tell you about monetary value is to watch Craig's List daily for a while. That will at least give you a feel for what people are asking for old machines. You can also try Ebay's old listings to see what machines similar to yours have actually sold for. Some people ask for crazy amounts of money. There are machines on my local Craig's List that have been sitting for literally a year and are still being listed.
I haven't paid over $25 for a machine yet. I've learned if I'm patient the right one will come along at the right price.
Rodney
I haven't paid over $25 for a machine yet. I've learned if I'm patient the right one will come along at the right price.
Rodney
#16
Banned
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Victorian Sweatshop Forum
Posts: 4,096
The best thing I can tell you about monetary value is to watch Craig's List daily for a while. That will at least give you a feel for what people are asking for old machines. You can also try Ebay's old listings to see what machines similar to yours have actually sold for. Some people ask for crazy amounts of money. There are machines on my local Craig's List that have been sitting for literally a year and are still being listed.
I haven't paid over $25 for a machine yet. I've learned if I'm patient the right one will come along at the right price.
Rodney
I haven't paid over $25 for a machine yet. I've learned if I'm patient the right one will come along at the right price.
Rodney
Cari
#17
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 54
Craigslist and this site are two I read almost daily. I've even started looking at areas of other states, even though we don't travel. I've gotten better at our states geography by looking at the map to see where the sewing machines are.
I'm getting a little better at knowing the machines by reading here. I have a lot of question and can usually find some of them already answered and even a tutorial at times.
I'm getting a little better at knowing the machines by reading here. I have a lot of question and can usually find some of them already answered and even a tutorial at times.
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