Antique Singer Sewing Machine Value

Antique Singer sewing machine values are determined by many different factors, such as the condition of the machine and the model. Perhaps you have an antique Singer sitting in your home that was passed down to you by your mother or grandmother, or, you may have found a gem in a local antique shop and want to know how much it is worth. Determining the true value of the machine is best left up to an expert, but armed with a little bit of important knowledge you can at least determine if it is worth taking it to an expert for evaluation.

Antique sewing machines are often highly collectible.

The history of sewing machines is rich and varied. The first patent for a mechanical sewing apparatus was issued to Charles Weisenthal; however, it wasn’t until 1830 when Barthelemy Thimonnier invented the first functional sewing machine in France, which used one thread and a hooked needle.

The first American patent for a sewing machine was issued to Elias Howe, whose machine had a needle with an eye at the point that created the lockstitch. Then Isaac Singer invented the up-and-down motion mechanism and created the first commercially successful machine, which was operated by a foot treadle.

After introducing the Singer Family model sewing machine, which was so expensive that the company introduced a payment plan, the company had to re-design the machine to make it more affordable for working families.

In just two decades the Singer Company established itself as the top competitor in the sewing industry. They established factories in the United States, in Great Britain, Germany and Russia. However, when the Second World War broke out Singer stopped all sewing machine production and began manufacturing equipment deemed important for the war effort. After the war the sewing machine market became flooded with foreign-made versions from Europe and Japan. Unfortunately Singer couldn’t keep up with the cheaper versions coming from these countries so by the 1980s they ceased manufacturing sewing machines.

Today, anything marked "Singer" is made by the German Pfaff sewing machine company. Most singer machines are models that are manufactured in Asia. It is also good to know that because antique Singer machines are so coveted there are a number of replica machines that have been made in Asia and are sold as "vintage reproductions." These models are inferior in quality and high in price, so you need to be on the lookout for them when searching for a true antique version. Many of them rattle and vibrate excessively, are painted with a thin layer of black enamel, and are decorated in the Egyptian "Memphis" scheme or a 1930s design that features lightening bolts and an eagle in the center. Be careful when purchasing an antique machine and be sure to look it over thoroughly for any sign of it being a reproduction.

The value of your antique Singer sewing machine is decided by several factors, including the sentimental value it has to you and your family. If it has been handed down through several generations, then the value remains priceless. If, however, you have purchased a machine, or are interested in selling one, consider some of the following information before taking it to an appraiser.

First, know that a sewing machine is considered an antique if it was crafted before the turn of the 20th century. Machines made after 1900 are considered vintage. To find out when your machine was built, call the company toll-free at 1-800-474-6437. After giving them the machine’s serial number (stamped on the right side of the machine), they can provide you with the model number and the date of manufacture. The company also offers copies of machine manuals for just ten dollars.

Next, look at the condition of the machine. Perhaps the balance wheel can’t turn because it is rusted, or the machine bed is coated with layer upon layer of dust, dirt and grime. However, these outward appearance issues can be taken care of with a little elbow grease and some oil. The key is to know which parts, if any, are missing, and whether or not you want to spend the time getting to know the model well enough to repair it. You can purchase most Singer parts today through your local sewing machine repair shop, or on Ebay.

Working machines demand the highest prices, but collectors don’t expect that the older versions will be in perfect condition.

Treadle machines, such as Singers, need to have the following parts and pieces in good condition to be considered of any value:

• Serial number
• Correct needle function
• Brand name
• Proper color
• In-tact design and decoration

Early Singer machines were mounted on stands, had only one pedal and had lock-stitch vibrating shuttles. Pre-1860 the Singer Model 1 and Singer Model 2 were large and primitive looking. After these first two models came the Singer Turtleback and the Letter A model, which were both much more refined.

One of the most sought after Singer machines is the 221 and 222 Featherweight, which are popular with quilters, craftspeople and seamstresses. While only a vintage machine, built in the 1950s, they still work well and are a testament to the quality of the Singer product.

Only made during 1941 and 1947, the "Blackside" is a pre- and post-World War II model that lacks the chrome pieces usually found on Singer models. Chrome was in such high demand during the wars that they began to make the chrome parts, including the face plate, presser foot, bobbins, chrome thumb screw and some attachments, out of black metal.

Here are a few resources to keep in mind when looking for antique Singer sewing machine values:

• International Sewing Machine Collector’s Society
• The Encyclopedia of Early American & Antique Sewing Machines: Identification and Values
• Singer Sewing Company

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