One of our sellers specializes in out-of-print sewing machine manuals.  It's   
   amazing how many vintage and antique machines there are out there, and having   
   the manual is really helpful if it needs repairs, or if you just want to use   
   it and can't figure out how to use all it's features, or even how to thread   
   it.  The store is called Relics and the URL to the site is: http   
   //sewing-machine-manuals.com. Linda, the owner, was kind enough to submit this   
   informative article for TIAS.com to share.  This is her second article, and   
   very helpful for people looking for the value of a machine.   
      
      
   Any working sewing machine has utilitarian value for people who sew. A pretty   
   sewing machine with a beautiful cabinet or case may well have decorative value   
   to some potential buyers.  Very old machines and machines which represent an   
   important milestone in the sewing machine industry may have historical value.    
   These would include most very early machines, from the mid eighteen hundreds,   
   by both obscure and well known manufacturers, and a very few later machines.    
   Also included under this heading are machines which have been owned by someone   
   of historical significance, assuming that provenance can be established.  And,   
   then there is collector's value.  Most collections have a focus of some kind,   
   whether intentional or not.  A machine which has historical value will always   
   be of interest to some collectors, but there are also those who focus on   
   machines with decorative and/or utilitarian value.  Some collectors limit   
   their collection to a given manufacturer.   
      
   In the United States, Singer is unquestionably the most often collected   
   brand.  Some collect only hand cranked machines, others only treadles.  Some   
   collect only very small or toy machines.  Some collect only from a specific   
   time period.  Some collect machines based on the country of origin.   
      
   A real boat anchor of a sewing machine, with little potential for restoration,   
   may still have value for its parts.  Both collectors and people who sew seek   
   out broken or incomplete machines in order to restore a better example of the   
   same machine which is missing parts. They are looking for parts machines.  The   
   potential monetary value of a parts machine will be greatly influenced by the   
   value of a good example of the same machine.   
      
   Now, how does all this translate into monetary value? On a given day, a sewing   
   machine is worth only what a particular seller can sell it for, to a   
   particular buyer, in a particular venue.  Value is not fixed, but fluid.  Even   
   so, it's a good thing to consider that relatively few machines today command   
   prices in the hundreds of dollars and very, very few sewing machines will   
   bring thousands of dollars.   
      
   With reference to the history of your machine, was the manufacturer   
   financially successful?  Were many of these machines made?  Do many survive?    
   Rarity is a major influence on value, as is condition.  Is your machine post   
   WWII or is it from earlier in the 20th century?  Is it from the 19th Century?    
   Age is a factor that impacts on rarity. The first practical sewing machine was   
   invented in 1851.  The closer to that date a given machine was made, the more   
   it will likely be worth.  Most 20th century machines were made in the millions   
   and most survive in great numbers.  In most cases, this will hold down retail   
   value.  Some 20th century machine names on the machines are rare, but the   
   machine model itself is likely to be common because it was distributed under a   
   number of names.   
      
   Also, please be aware that most 20th century machines have a greater value as   
   a piece of useful equipment than as a collector's item. Finally, a machine   
   owned by a family member or friend may well be worth more in sentiment than in   
   dollars.  If you find that your machine will not bring riches, consider   
   letting it bring pleasure instead.  Even if closer relatives have rejected it,   
   you could seek further: a grandchild, niece, nephew, or cousin might greatly   
   enjoy a gift of your machine.   
      
      
   Here is the link to a page where you can order an appriasal for a sewing   
   machine:   
   http://pages.sewing-machine-manuals.com/173/InventoryPage/1818448/1.html   
      
   Thanks for your article, Linda!  http://sewing-machine-manuals.com   
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