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elizabeth_b_gw

Antique Sewing Machine

21 years ago

Hi All :)

I have an opportunity to purchase an old (1887) Singer treadle sewing machine. It is absolutely beautiful! For me, it will be a beautiful piece of "furniture" and not be used although it is in fabulous shape.

It belongs to an elderly neighbor who's mother and great aunt owned it (he's like 85). He asked me to find out what it is worth and I'm having a devil of a time finding anything on on-line.

It's last patent was in 1887 and it has a Trademark # of 9053968. Can anybody get me in the right ballpark of value ~ are we talking $200 or $2000?

~ Thanks,

Elizabeth

Comments (8)

  • 21 years ago

    I paid $200 for mine....and it isn't as old as yours. My cabinet leaves much to be desired but I love it. Hope you find out more information. Budster

  • 21 years ago

    Thanks, Bud! That helps somewhat. What I fear, since this neighbor is leaving it up to me, is that I will find a number that is too low and he'll feel robbed.

    For anyone else looking, it looks like the one in this link except that it has 3 drawers on each side. It is in perfect condition ~ at least appearance wise.

    Bud ~ Aren't they just works of art?!?! I really would like to have this in my arts/crafts room.

    ~ Elizabeth

    Here is a link that might be useful: It looks just like this one

  • 21 years ago

    I would use it every once in a while if I were you. When I lived in Florida and the lights would go out, then is when I wanted to sew. Don't ask me why. I would have loved it.

  • 21 years ago

    Hi Elizabeth, i've only written in this forum twice, but read it everyday. i have a newer Singer treadle from the 30's, the cabinet hasn't even a scratch in it, was left to my sil when her aunt passed on (we got a lovely desk) and she was supposed to have it shipped to her home and it lived in our garage for 6 months till i brought it in the house and took it, have had it for 6 years and love it. here at machine you have would go for about 125.00 (sorrY), but you can go on the singer site and get some great info about your machine! yours is a beautiful machine make sure you use it and love it, i have a feeling your neighbour knows that you would take good care of it and love it. debbie

  • 21 years ago

    when in doubt.. look at ebay.

    $200 is about right.

    and ya gotta use it! at least once. They are so sweet to sew on... and if ya can't get to go forward... place hand on the fly wheel pull it toward you and then get your feet going

  • 21 years ago

    That machine is a beauty! I don't know the value, but I do remember a treadle my Mother had years ago. She sewed many a stitches on it. Crazy woman traded it in when she bought her first electric machine back in the '60's. She evidently didn't know what she had! Wish I had it now!

  • 21 years ago

    Here's the ebay link for you to check. There are a few treadles there. I like the one that says that it works perfectly but is missing the belt. Right.

    I sewed on one of these for two years when we lived where there was no electricity. They are good machines and not difficult to operate. Wish I still had it.

    Lucky you. Someone else suggested you should use it occasionally, and I agree with that.

    Here is a link that might be useful: Treadle machines on ebay

  • 21 years ago

    $200 sounds about right to me. I just purchased a featherweight from ebay, had it totally refurbished (for north american current) and can't wait to use it!
    My aunt still uses her treadle sewing machine on the farm in Quebec...it works fantastic!
    A great bargin. Worth getting serviced. You will have years of sewing to be had.
    Great find.

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