How Much Is My Old Sewing Machine Worth?


"Can you tell me what my old (vintage/antique) sewing machine is worth?"

This is by far the most asked question I hear from my blog readers. Sadly, I am not an Appraiser and cannot give you an estimated value on your old sewing machine. But what I can do is give you information to help you get closer to finding a value on your own.

In some ways, putting a price on an old sewing machine can be subjective. How can you put a dollar amount on sentimental value? And is something worth money just because it is old? Actually, there are lots of variables to estimating the worth of an old sewing machine, so let's look at the most important; the make/model and date, the condition, and any extras that may be included with the machine.


IDENTIFY YOUR MACHINE

Morse
A Japanese Clone tagged with the name "Morse"
Once you know the specific brand and make or model of your machine, it makes it easier to search for more information about your machine. Use the links below to find out more about your machine.

BERNINA
There aren't any comprehensive lists for identifying models or manufacture dates for old BERNINA machines available online. You can try visiting your nearest BERNINA store to find out if they can help, you might get lucky and find an authorized BERNINA Technician that's been around forever and knows all about the older models. Or you can look at this brief history of BERNINA sewing machines at BERNINA.com to see if you can find a similar model to yours. And this just in, visit this page to find out the year of manufacture by the code included in the machine serial number.

ELNA
Visit the official Elna webpage to contact the company directly. You can also check out the NeedleBar's Elna page for nice photos of vintage models, and the ISMACS History of Elna page.

NEW HOME
Visit the New Home webpage at the ISMACS website, (the International Sewing Machine Collector's website) or call Janome (New Home) at 1-800-631-0183.

PFAFF
Visit the Pfaff information page at the ISMACS website, which includes a chart for dating information based on serial number.

SINGER
Singer was the leader in sewing machine manufacturers in the early 20th Century, and there are lots of resources for finding out more about your old Singer.
And some Singer machines are more saught-after than others! Here's an article listing the Top 5 Best Vintage Singer Models, and many people who collect and sew with vintage Singer machines do love and seek out these particular models.

WHITE
Check out the White/Viking pages at the ISMACS site.

MISCELLANEOUS/OTHER BRANDS
There were a small handful of manufacturers who made "generic" machines in the mid 20th Century (like the Morse pictured above). Many of them were based on a Singer class 15 machine, and are commonly known as "Singer Clones" - read a bit more about them here. If your sewing machine looks a lot like these machines but has an off brand name, chances are you have a generic or clone machine.


CONDITION

Rusty Singer 66
Poor condition - it works, but has rust and damage to the finish.

The overall condition of your machine is one of the biggest factors in estimating a value. Make sure to take a very thorough inventory of your machine and record the condition of the finish, any electrical cords or belts, decals, chrome or metal parts, motor, the inside working parts of the machine, and how the machine works or performs. Be sure to also look closely at the condition of the case or cabinet, including if it is still original to the machine and if it has been refinished or restored. The overall condition can be communicated by one of the following terms:

Mint = Still new from the factory, in original packaging or condition, and never, ever used. It is nigh impossible to find an old sewing machine in mint condition!

Excellent = In the best shape possible, but used. No chips, scratches or dents, no wear or tear, no rust or dust, in top notch running order. Complete with no parts missing.

Very Good = May have a few scratches or small cosmetic blemishes, dents or dings, but works well and does not need any additional work to use the machine. Complete with no parts missing.

Good = Some cosmetic damage to finish, but nothing to keep the machine from working. May be missing some accessories or manual.

Fair = A machine that has definitely been used, possibly not kept up as well as others. Usual wear and tear for a well used machine, pin scratches, some dings in finish, some rubbing off of decals, but machine should work. Some accessories missing or in non-working order, manual may be damaged or missing.

Poor = A machine that has been used hard or has weathered badly. Extensive damage to the finish like rubbed off decals, scratches from use, dings in the finish, possibly some surface rust. Electrical cords may be frayed, and machine should work, but is not in top-notch running order. Probably missing some or all accessories or manual, or parts like extra bobbins. Definitely needs a little TLC and possibly some restoration.

Parts Only/Parts Machine = Totally unable to be salvaged for use, and is being sold ONLY for the parts in the machine.

Most importantly, when you are comparing your machine to others just like it to try and find a value, refer to the conditions listed. Is your machine in comparable condition to the one you are looking at, or is it in worse or better shape? It goes without saying that the better the overall condition, the better the price and vise versa.


ACCESSORIES

A vintage 1940's Singer Buttonholer attachment

Being able to identify which accessories, presser feet, or other "stuff" is with your old machine can be helpful, plus a machine with extras is generally worth more and sells for a higher price than just a stand-alone machine.
Accessories should be in good condition if you want to use them, that means being free of dust, dirt, or excessive rust. If you are going to be selling accessories, be sure to carefully list the conditions of the accessories in your detailed description.


DOCUMENTATION
If you have the original bill of sale or other sales documentation with your old machine, count yourself very lucky! Keep this paperwork in a safe place, like a folder or envelope to keep the paper safely away from direct contact with the machine to avoid oil stains.

Many times manuals are not with machines or are badly damaged. If you have the original manual, store it in a folder or envelope to keep it safe from oil stains from your machine. If you're in need of a manual, check the ISMACS site for a pretty complete list of downloadable manuals from many brands and models.

If you have a machine that belonged to someone in your family, it may have been handed down through more than one family member. If this is the case, be sure to record as much as you can about the history of the machine; this includes it's origins, and any information about the various owners, and even what may have been sewn with the machine (family heirlooms, wedding dresses, christening gowns, family quilts, etc.). Keep this information safe in a folder or envelope, and keep it updated as much as you can.

ESTIMATING A VALUE

INDUSTRIAL/DOMESTIC
Take a quick look at The Difference Between Domestic & Industrial Sewing Machines. Vintage home sewing machines are not "industrial", "heavy-duty", "industrial grade", "semi-industrial", nor are they manufactured to sew anything other than regular home sewing projects. Be sure you understand the difference and know what you have!

APPRAISALS/INSURANCE VALUE
If your machine is truly an antique (manufactured before 1900), or if you really want to be sure about the worth, you may want to hire an appraiser to value your machine. Have the appraisal in person, and get it in writing; it's well worth the cost, both for insurance purposes or to set a realistic selling price. Find a local auction or antique house near you and call to inquire about appraisal services. Or read more about appraisers in this article from CNN.

RESALE VALUE/SELLING PRICE
When you have as much information as you can find about your machine, you are ready to do some research to find a comparative market price. The key to this process is to find what machines just like yours, in the same kind of condition, have recently sold for.

The trick is to look in as many places as possible and find what seems to be the most popular or often seen price for a machine just like yours in the same condition with similar extras. If you see lots and lots of listings for your type of machine, it probably means that  there were many manufactured and there is not a huge demand. Or, you may have a hard time finding a machine like yours it could mean there aren't a lot out there - in which case you might consider contacting a professional appraiser for help.

Where to look:
You can visit local shops that often carry old machines to see what local prices look like, and if there are any for sale like yours. Ask your friends that regularly go antiquing to help you look, too. Edited to add: Facebook Marketplace is a great place to look for VSM for sale!

eBay
If you've got an eBay account, do a search for your machine and be sure to do an "Advanced" search, checking the "Completed Listings" box on the search page. This will show you auctions that have ended and the final selling price of the sewing machines.

Etsy
There are lots of old, vintage and antique machines for sale on Etsy, but it can be more difficult to separate out over inflated prices from what an actual fair market price may be. Try to look at as many of the same model as possible and see what the price range may be. If you see 6 machines just like yours, and 5 are priced at about $100 dollars while one is $300, it's a good bet that a fair market value for the machine is in the $100 range.

Craigslist (local)
Just like Etsy, it can be difficult to separate out over inflated prices on Craigslist from what a fair price is. But, keep your eyes out for a machine like yours for a period of a few weeks and you may be able to see what kind of steady prices show up for a machine like yours.

And, there are many more places you'll see on the web as well, even online stores solely dedicated to selling vintage machines. Like I mentioned above, find as many examples as you can for machines in similar condition as yours, and naturally your estimated price will be in the same ballpark.

EVEN MORE
Read even more about pricing or estimating values of old sewing machines:

Determining The Value of Old Sewing Machines from Sewing Machine Repair Tips

How Much Is My Sewing Machine Worth? from ISMACS

Value of an Old Sewing Machine from Vintage Sewing Machines

How Much is a Sewing Machine Worth? from Sew-Classic

Antique Singer Sewing Machine Value from Antique Singer Sewing Machines

Comments

Donna said…
Fabulous post! Thank you!
Unknown said…
Love that machine. I love old machines. Wish I had one like the one I learned to sew on in school, which was about 30 years ago.

Sharon
http://makeitorfixit.com
Erika Mulvenna said…
Thanks so much Donna! And Sharon, I totally wish I had one of those old machines I learned on back in the day, too! We had the old, all metal 830's in the classroom - sure would love to fall on one of those at a garage sale!
Susan said…
Very useful post! It must have taken you quite awhile to write it up --Thanks!
Unknown said…
Hi could anyone tell me what year and model my old singer sawing machine is, the serial number is F 7177003. Thanks
Unknown said…
Hi could anyone tell me what year and model my old singer sawing machine is, the serial number is F 7177003. Thanks
Erika Mulvenna said…
Hello Kenneth Boyd - thanks for stopping by my blog. There are links above for you to visit to find the date of your Singer sewing machine on your own, just scroll above and read the article. Good luck to you!
Unknown said…
I have an old Brother Deluxe 150 sewing machine from my grandma, and i want to know the value of it i am planning to sell it because i don't know how to sew anyway.. (working Properly/Good Condition).
Erika Mulvenna said…
Hello Cesca, I hope you find lots of information in this article to help you research your old sewing machine and set a value. Best of luck to you! - Erika
Unknown said…
I have a Free Westinghouse sewing machine (portable) the motor has model 52 F on it the only other number I see on it is underneath the base plate and is 525109592 could you give me any info on this?
Erika Mulvenna said…
Hey there Kenneth Boyd, you can find the links to the pages above in my post to find all the information you are looking for with your Singer serial number. Go check it out!
Erika Mulvenna said…
Hi Loretta Coddington, thanks for visiting my blog! You can read above in my article about where to find information on specific brands of machines. As mentioned in my article, you may have to do some more research on your end to find out about your Free Westinghouse machine. As of yet, I have not found any information on dating that brand with a serial number. Best of luck to you - Erika
Anonymous said…
Nice article. I think the main piece of advice when valuing your machine is "get ready for disappointment". Sewing machines seem to be considerably undervalued in the marketplace - probably because so many lasted. At any given time - at least where I live on the East Coast - there are at least a dozen antique treadles (in various conditions) listed in the online classifieds, and many vintage machines from the '30s to '60s as well. Even with the original cabinet or case, working antiques rarely sell for more than $100.00, and the vintage machines for around $50. Some exceptions for rare or pristine machines, or machines with really fancy tables I'm sure. I bought my 1860s Singer treadle for $70. I also have several of those all-metal '50s "portables" I picked up for no more than $30 each.
Ingry said…
Has anyone heard of the Lady Kenmore sewing machine? I have one from 1959, made in Germany. It's a pfaff 260 under the name of kenmore. I have the original table, accessories, manuals, and even the square cloth that a seamstress used to test the actual machine prior to selling it. It's in good condition, the cams are clean and intact. It will need a service to oil and clean the inside since it hasn't been used in 20 years. Grandma stopped sewing due to her arthritis. Is this machine worth anything? I find it beautiful.
Unknown said…
What's the value of a Westinghouse sewing machine style 956228-E
Erika Mulvenna said…
Hello Erick, if you want to read my article, you can find resources to try and put a value on your own sewing machine. You may have missed it at the very top of the article, but in the first paragraph you will see that I am not an appraiser and am not able to give you a value on your machine. Best of luck to you - Erika
Unknown said…
Miss Sews, I have an older singer sewing machine that I am having trouble on trying to find a link to get a value on it. I have found out that it is manufactured in Elizabeth, NJ. The beginning of the serial number is AA. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks Kim Reese
Erika Mulvenna said…
Howdy Kim Reese! Have you tried visiting the ISMACS site through the links I've posted above to find out about your older Singer machine? They do have a list of serial numbers, including those with lettered prefixes. That will probably be your best bet. Best of luck - Erika
Anonymous said…
Interesting. One note though. In North America (and probably elsewhere) antique sewing machines must be 100 years old or more - not just pre 1900 as the article states. Unlike the term "vintage" , antiques are defined by law because of import/export rules and regulations. Cars only need to be 20 years old, but with most other goods it must be 100 years. So pre 1918 machines are antiques (as of the writing of this post.)
Unknown said…
Hi I have a singer sewing machine, just been.left to my by my nan it's serial number ED447261 can anyone give me a price on it please it's crank handle working order still with its old wooden case with snake skin exterior,
Unknown said…
Not in the UK it doesn't state that it's classed as antique if it early 1900,,, after 50's it's not
Erika Mulvenna said…
Hello Jane, and thanks for stopping by Miss Sews-it-all! I see you've got a vintage machine and are looking for more information about dates and values. You can use the article I've written here to help you find more information, like following the link in the "Singer" section to find the dating database to find the manufacture date of your machine, and the section on "Estimating a Value" to help you find how much the machine might be worth. Best of luck to you - Erika
John Carter said…
These vintage Singers are a benchmark in the history of sewing machines
Dipsy said…
Mine is a black necchi code 8004 in a fair condition. How much is it worth tentatively?
Dipsy said…
I am Dipsy from SA. My sewing machine is a black necchi bc made in Italy with code 8004; it is in a fair condition as some assessories are missing. I would like to know its date of manufactury and therefore its value.
Erika Mulvenna said…
Hello Dipsy from SA, thanks for stopping by! As you can read in the opening of my article, I'm not able to give a value to your sewing machine. I can suggest checking out the information and links I've gathered together her to help you try and estimate a value for your old sewing machine. Best of luck to you! - Erika
halfpint said…
I have a Morse Sewing Machine in great shape,plastic bottom/pink& top cover is cream/ model#4400 beautiful& clean cord is like new/foot pedal book is missing& some accessories are missing what would the value be? Thank You for being so inspiring to others,appreciate your wisdom.
Thank you!!
Erika Mulvenna said…
Hello halfpint, and thanks for stopping by! I see you are looking for information on your vintage sewing machine. As you can see in the opening paragraph of this article, I get a lot of questions about valuing machines. Since I am not able to offer values or appraisals for machines, I put together this article with lots of links to help you find a value on your own. Best of luck! - Erika
Unknown said…
I have a singer sewing machine of 1953 and I want to sell it can you tell me who will it worth
Erika Mulvenna said…
Hello Dhruv dogra, thanks for visiting my blog! In the first sentence of this article I do mention that I am not able to give any appraisals or offer any values for machines. You can use the information and links in the article to help find a value that fits for your location.
Unknown said…
Thank you miss sew
Unknown said…
How do you get rid of sewing machines that have been sitting around in my closet for awhile?
I have a Singer and something else??
Unknown said…
What an interesting page. Wondered if you might know anything about a 1945 - 50 janome black cast iron machine.
Michelle
Erika Mulvenna said…
Hi Mogg, and thanks for visiting my blog! I sure don't know much about old Janome machines, have you thought about contacting Janome directly to see if they can help? - Erika
Erika Mulvenna said…
Hey there Laurel Curtis, that's a great question - how do you get rid of old sewing machines that have been sitting around forever? There are lots of ways to sell old machines, I've listed a few in this article. It all depends on what's available to you in your area. Maybe there's an antique shop that will take them on consignment, or a big quilt guild where a member might be interested? - Erika
Anonymous said…
I know nothing about sewing machines, but my mother in law has a very old one. It is a Singer Treadle. The area where the Serial No is says “No 50475” then underneath that it says “No 61”. The patent has 4 dates, August 2, 1892 April 5, 1898, February 12, 1901 & March 25, 1902. There is what appears to be a brass plaque that has stamped in it “61W2” on the machine just beneath the gold scrolls. It is on a very nice wooden table top with a wrought iron base (legs) and foot (treadle). Can anyone tell me what model it is. My email is nikki@htc.net (nikki at htc dot net). Thank you very much (in advance).
Anonymous said…
What a lot of non-sewists fail to realise is that no matter how old your machine, or how cute or whatever, it still has to be sold to someone who sews, which are in the minority of the population. Even among sewists the demand for vintage machines isn't that high so you are looking at a very tiny niche market for your xyz sewing machine. Unless it's a very early, very sought after major brand model complete with all accessories, in perfectly maintained and working order, it's very likely to languish on CL or eBay at $50.
Erika Mulvenna said…
Yes Anonymous, there is a bit of truth to that, just because it's old doesn't make it worth a lot of money. Some models were manufactured for years and are really common - like the Singer 66 machines. I found one years ago, and since have found several more at next to nothing, plus see more 66 machines often.

And the other issue is people posting machines at totally inflated prices. Just because someone sees a vintage machine for sale at a high price doesn't mean anyone will actually purchase it for that price! Cheers - Erika
Unknown said…
Hello, I have one old Jan 16,1911 here. I am thinking and planning to sell it., right now I dont know how much it worth. Only need a replace rope. How much is it?..
Erika Mulvenna said…
Hello Theaslonly Theaslonly, and thanks for visiting my blog! I can direct you to the article that you've commented on here for many resources to help you find a value for your vintage machine. As I mention at the very top of the article, I am unable to offer appraisals or a value for your machine. Best of luck to you - Erika
Michelle Tilley said…
I sold mine a few weeks ago and got $140 for it..
Andrew said…

I would appreciate your opinion on my sewing machine manufactured by your company (GROVER & BAKER) in approx 1859 ( going by the gold stamp/disc on the side). It is in excellent condition & unbelievably its with all its attachments, including what looks like the original reel of cotton. The number stamped on the top is 434529. The timber is in perfect condition and gold leaf is intact. I have attached photos and await your reply with anticipation. Please email me at andrewrcole@hotmail.com. Thanks and hope to hear from you soon.
Andrew Cole
Erika Mulvenna said…
Hi Andrew - not sure if you were commenting to another person here? As mentioned in my blog post, I am not an appraiser, and don't offer valuations of sewing machines. You can read above for tips on how to look for clues to the value or hire an authorized appraiser. Best of luck to you - Erika
Unknown said…
I have my Mother's old sewing machine, still in the wood stand with fold out tables on the ends. I can't find the maker except there was a sticker on it that said, Modern. I want to sell it. Where do you go with a machine like that to try to sell for the best price. As far as i know it still works. There is one number on the bottom of it that I could find. It is 98757. Anyone know anything about it?
AAF said…
This post is a great tutorial on evaluating value of an antique sewing machines. The same principles can be applied to vintage electronics or vehicles. There is always an audience that is willing to pay for such things, but it takes skill and discipline to recognize these aspects and monetize them.

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