How to Check the Value of an Old Singer Sewing Machine
Figure out the age of your Singer machine. Depending on the age of your Singer sewing machine, it may be worth a pretty penny. Vintage models (models less than 100 years old) and antique models (models older than 100 years old) generally fluctuate in value, with fully-functional vintage models often offering a higher price tag than damaged or non-working antique models. Determine the age by checking the manufacturing date or serial number on the machine. Some models may be worth more depending on the specific period of history they originated in. For example, the Singer 27 has a high value due to its use in World War 1. The International Sewing Machine Collectors Society (ISMCS) values some vintage machines higher than others, increasing the demand for certain machines.
Determine the machine type. Different types of old Singer sewing machines have different values. For example, the Singer 27 isn’t worth as much as the Featherweight models, as the Featherweights are a lot less common. Determine your machine type by checking the model number on the front or side of the machine and running it through the Singer Sewing Machine Serial Number Database.
Check whether it’s a variation or not. Different Singer machines have different variations, and some of those variations can have a higher value than the original machine. For example, the Singer 15 has different variations, some of which are worth more than others. Like the Mint Green Singer 15-125, which is worth more than the Singer 15-91. Depending on the variation of your machine, you may have a high-value item on your hands.
Check the condition and working status. Old Singer sewing machines that are in working condition and have minimal to no damage will typically be worth the most. Old Singer sewing machines that are damaged, non-working, or in generally poor condition won’t be worth as much as those that are well-kept.
Look for any accessories on the machine. Some old Singer sewing machines have specific decals and accessories that increase their value. Look for accessories like original foot pedals, carry cases, treadles, and bobbins, as old Singer sewing machines are typically worth more when they’re included.
Check what they’re selling for on online marketplaces. Depending on what Singer machine you have, it could have a different value depending on the market. Check online marketplaces like eBay and Facebook Marketplace to see what the average cost for your model is and help determine its value.
Determine the machine’s demand in different parts of the world. Depending on the part of the world you’re selling in, different Singer machines may be worth more or less than they are in other places. For example, the Singer 24 is common in the U.S. but not in other parts of the world, so it’s more sought after outside of the country.
How to Tell the Age of an Old Singer Sewing Machine
Enter your machine’s serial number into the Singer database to determine its age. Look for the serial number on your machine. If it has a hand crank with a treadle, check the throat plate or bed for a sequence of 8 numbers. If it’s electric with a treadle, check the right side for a sequence of 2 letters followed by 6 numbers. For a standard electric machine, check underneath. For a machine from the 60s or later, check the front or side. Once you have the number, enter it into the Singer Sewing Machine Serial Number Database to determine the age.
Types of Singer Sewing Machines & Their Values
Singer 27 The Singer 27 features twin needle plates that set it apart from other types of Singer machines. It’s a sleek model that was produced from the 1880s to the 1960s. It was also the first of Singer’s sewing machines to use vibrating shuttle technology, which moves the shuttle in a circular arc. Value: $20-$1,100. Typically around $190. Factors That Influence Value: Older models with accessories and working parts are typically worth more. Newer, machines with damaged or non-working parts are worth less. This machine is sought after due to its historical significance, as it improved stitching quality and speed during the early 20th century. The Singer 127 is the electric version of the Singer 27.
Singer 66 The Singer 66 features a top-loading bobbin. Older models also have a stitch knob. Singer 66s are also the only model that has redeye decals featured on them. All Singers with redye decals are 66 models, but not every 66 model has redeye decals. Value: $45-$525. Typically around $150. Factors That Influence Value: Redeye variations are typically valued higher than the standard 66 models. Older models that are in good condition are worth more.
Singer 99 The Singer 99 model is often confused for the 66 model. The Singer 99 is ¾ sized, whereas the 66 is full-sized. This means the distance between the pillar and the needle is smaller on 99 models, coming in at around 6 inches. The Singer 99 lacks inspection plates and has a near-flat face plate. Value: $49-$350. Typically $129. Factors That Influence Value: The 99K variation has a slightly higher or lower price, depending on the year it was produced.
Singer 201 The Singer 201 often gets confused for the 66 model, as it’s an upgraded version. They both have the top-loading bobbin system. Some 201 models have lights fitted to the front of the machine, while others have them fitted onto the back. The stitch adjuster is the main way to differentiate this model from the 66, as the 201 tends to feature a molded circle around the stitch adjuster. Value: $85-$895. Typically $250. Factors That Influence Value: If all of the parts are included and the machine is in working condition, your Singer 201 is typically worth more.
Singer 185 The Singer 185 is the first Singer sewing machine to feature the model name on the machine. It is typically on the stitch adjuster or just below it. While this doesn’t vary much from other models, it does have its own variation: the 185K, which is a specific model that was built in Scotland Value: $75-$330. Typically around $150 Factors That Influence Value: The variation, where you sell it, and product significance can influence this model’s value, as it was the first to feature model names on its housing.
Singer 15 The Singer 15 has different variations, including the 15-90, the 15-91, and the 15-125. The tension disks are located on the faceplant, whereas other machines have them on the arm. It also features a side-loading bobbin. Value: $65-$2,000. Typically $300. Factors That Influence Value: Model type, age, and condition. 15-90s have bolt-on motors, while 15-91s have potted motors.
Singer Touch & Sew The touch & sew model has white and brown casing with a top-loading bobbin. Each touch & sew model has a white button towards the bottom that activates the bobbin winding system. It also has the “touch & Sew” model name at the bottom of the pillar. Value: $25-$350. Typically $100. Factors That Influence Value: As different variations go up in age, they also go up in price.
Singer Featherweight Singer Featherweights are the most sought-after model of old Singer sewing machines. They were designed to be lightweight and portable, which made them popular among sewists who traveled. It is also known for its reliability and exceptional stitch quality. Its reliability and historical significance make the Featherweight model highly sought after among collectors. Value: $325-$6,000. Typically $500. Factors That Influence Value: Featherweight models that include the original accessories are worth more than models without accessories.
Knowing If You Should Sell Your Old Singer Sewing Machine
Determine whether it’s worth enough money for you to get rid of it. Determine how much your machine is worth based on the model, condition, and demand. If you have an old Singer sewing machine that’s in high demand and in good condition, you may want to get it off your hands. But if you have one that’s in fair condition, has lots of copies, and has a fluctuating demand, you may want to hold onto it for a bit longer. Remember, specific models have higher demands in certain parts of the world, so you may want to check various markets before deciding to sell.
History of Singer Sewing Machines
Isaac Singer invented the Singer machine, which made sewing more accessible. In 1851, Isaac Singer patented the Singer sewing machine. It improved on existing sewing machine designs by providing a wooden treadle, which freed the sewer’s hands. As the Singer Sewing Machine Company grew, they expanded from Boston to Indiana, New York, Germany, and other areas across the world, strengthening Singer’s influence worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most sought after Singer sewing machine? The Singer Featherweight sewing machine is the most sought after Singer sewing machine due to its historical significance and reliability. It has been valued at up to $6,000.
How can I tell how old my Singer sewing machine is? Determine the age by looking for the serial number on the side or bottom of your machine. Once you’ve determined the serial number, enter it into the Singer Sewing Machine Serial Number Database to figure out your specific model’s age.
How old does a sewing machine have to be to be considered an antique? A sewing machine must be 100 years or older to be considered an antique. If a sewing machine is old but less than 100 years old, it’s considered vintage.
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