Sewing Machine
Information Pages

An short explanation concerning antique sewing machine values and the sewing machines we do, and do not typically buy or sell. 

BELOW ARE EXAMPLES OF THE STYLE & VINTAGE SEWING MACHINES THAT WE DO NOT TYPICALLY BUY OR SELL &
AN EXPLINATION OF WHY

Common Full Size Sewing Machines

Antique Sewing Machines with recognizable names from early inventors or companies like Wilcox and Gibbs, Wheeler and Wilson, Howe, and Singer may or may not be desirable. 

A good rule of thumb for determining the desirability of any early sewing machine is its serial #.  Any early sewing machine by any maker with a serial # of 500 or less would be desirable.  Lower serial numbers by more obscure makers would be even better. 

Any sewing machine with a serial # above 50,000 would be considered "Late" and relatively common.  In other words, your Wheeler or Wilson, or White, or Singer with a serial number in the 6 or 7 digit range is what I am referring to. The machine may date from 1890, but it would still be considered "late" and common in most cases.

It is important to understand that it is not just the name which determines the desirability or value of antique sewing machines.  It is a combination of factors, including the vintage, age, style, and the perceived desirability, and the most importantly the condition taken together that determine the desirability and value. 

 The simple fact that your sewing machine is old does not mean it is desirable or valuable.  

Names such as the Standard, Jones, White, Domestic, New Home, Princess, Franklin,  Household, Free, Westinghouse, Remington, Greybar, Minnesota, Singer Models #12, 99, or 66.and many others are examples of later machines that are not generally very desirable or valuable.  These later machines can come with a host of different names, and in general were made by the three major makers and were simply distributed by companies like Sears, Montgomery Ward or other large distributers across the country back in the early 1900's when they were sold to every household for $10.00 - $20.00 . 

Just below are two pictures of typical looking treadle sewing machines. Note the standard looking shape or form of the main body or head on these machines. Sewing machines like this typically date from the 1880's or later.  Sewing machines from this era can come with many different names. They were sold for $10.00 - $20.00 back then, and nearly every household had one or more.  Much like cars are sold today, Sears wanted to sell a new one to the modern seamstresses every year or two and were constantly changing the name or look of their machines to try and accomplish that. 

The main distributors of this style of machine would pick or choose whatever name suited them or their goals for that year.  Hence names like Household, Favorite, Remington, Winchester, Domestic, Minnesota, Alliance, Victory,  etc.  Large companies like Sears or Montgomery Wards and other large regional distributors would also use famous peoples names in an effort to promote their machines, and so you can also find machines with names like Washington, Lincoln, Franklin, Edison, and others on machines that are pretty much exactly the same. At other times they picked Patriotic names like Victory, or Defiance, or whatever.  The large sewing machine makers sold their standard machines to these different distributers and  companies to be sold as that firms house brands with whatever name that distributer wanted. 

Free Appraisal / Valuation Information
for Later Vintage Sewing Machines

These later treadle sewing machines do have a value, and it could be substantial if you have a good buyer. 

I have seen appraisals for, and price tags on common treadle sewing machines like the ones pictured here as high as $4,000.  I have also seen them sell at auction for as low as $10.  Their true value is in the eye of the beholder,  be that the buyer or seller.   In most cases the true value is closer to the bottom than the top.  In the past these sewing machines were often torn apart for the stands or drawers and sold for more as parts or as pieces of furniture than they would fetch as sewing machines.  Basically these later typical treadle sewing machines are worth what a willing buyer will pay for them given the situation and condition. 

The basic rule of thumb is:  If it looks like your sewing machine, or if you remember your Mom using it, or nowadays even if your Grandma bought it, or it has a serial # with 6 or more numbers, it will probably hold little interest or value to or serious or advanced sewing machine collectors.

To see the wide range of current values for these sorts of sewing machines simply go to eBay and type the name of your sewing machine in the Search window provided.  If there is nothing similar there this week, try again next week, or try searching "antique sewing machine" or "vintage sewing machine" or "treadle sewing machine".

I guarantee a comparable or similar sewing machine is listed there now. The fact that most typical "antique" sewing machines are sitting there with no bids speaks volumes as to their demand and desirability.   It also has a lot to do with the cost of shipping and the amount shipping will add to the cost and so if you have one for sale, you should be thinking locally.  .

Or look in your local antique shop, where there is likely a similar one, and you can tell yourself that yours is worth about the same as long as you do not ask the shop dealer what he will give you for yours.

If after reading this you are still unsure about your sewing machine send me one picture and I will give you my opinion, just do not complain if I say it is not for me.

Later Full Size Electric Sewing Machines

We are NOT interested in typical looking electric sewing machines that date from after 1880 except Singer Model 221 or 222 Featherweights.  To find the value for later electric sewing machines by other makers simply go to eBay and run a few searches there. 

If your sewing machine is not listed there assume it is because it is so common and commands such a low value that no one bothers to list them, not that it is rare or desirable.   For example Vintage Electric Sewing Machines made in Japan after WWII hold 0 value and most sellers do not even bother trying to list them. 

**** We Sell Antiques! ****

We want to Help you Sell Your quality Antiques

If you have a single antique, or a collection of antiques to sell please contact us at LCM@patented-antiques.com giving us your PHONE NUMBER  and other contact info and we will get back to you ASAP.

To view examples of the types of antiques and collectibles we have previously sold and are always interested in helping you sell please visit our Past Sales Archive Pages.

Please see our FAQ page, the Appraisal / Selling Page and the Selling Your Collection Pages for further info.

Thanks!!

Larry & Carole