Couple of antique sewing machines

[Rented Mule]

Ok, technically they are not 100 years old but they are both close. Got both of these at a local garage sale a few weeks ago.

First is a Singer 128 in a bentwood case with a serial number that dates it to late 1919. Decals are La Vencedora and for the most part are in good shape. Have not plugged it in as the wiring needs to be replaced. It also came with the original foot control but I'll have to see if I can get that working too. I can crank the wheel by hand easily and everything seems to be there including the shuttle bobbin.



Second machine is a 1921 Willcox & Gibbs chainstitch with the original case. It runs ok when plugged in but does did not include the foot control. It did come with a bunch of attachments for ruffles, pleats, etc. I love the case which is in great shape (someone just sold the identical case on eBay without the sewing machine with some splits in the wood for just under $70, shipping included). Finish and decals are in even better shape on this one than the Singer.



Plan is to thoroughly clean, polish, and oil both machines as well as rewire the Singer, then see what I can get for each of them on eBay.

 

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[tamrock]

I see many old sewing machines in the thrift stores, but never gave much thought of buying to resell them because of the weight of those things, but I guess if someone is wanting and willing enough to have it the cost of getting it is just what they gotta pay. I've seen sales of old big honking blacksmith anvils sell high and the cost to ship it is a lot a money. That 2nd machine is really unique. Can't say I've seen many that look like that one around.

 

[Beans]

Great looking machines. I would have picked them up myself.

 

[AlienLifeForm]

Nice machines! I try to pick up any oldies that are reasonably priced.

 

[Grimaldehyde]

Ok, technically they are not 100 years old but they are both close. Got both of these at a local garage sale a few weeks ago.

First is a Singer 128 in a bentwood case with a serial number that dates it to late 1919. Decals are La Vencedora and for the most part are in good shape. Have not plugged it in as the wiring needs to be replaced. It also came with the original foot control but I'll have to see if I can get that working too. I can crank the wheel by hand easily and everything seems to be there including the shuttle bobbin.

View attachment 1485404View attachment 1485405View attachment 1485406View attachment 1485407

Second machine is a 1921 Willcox & Gibbs chainstitch with the original case. It runs ok when plugged in but does did not include the foot control. It did come with a bunch of attachments for ruffles, pleats, etc. I love the case which is in great shape (someone just sold the identical case on eBay without the sewing machine with some splits in the wood for just under $70, shipping included). Finish and decals are in even better shape on this one than the Singer.

View attachment 1485408View attachment 1485409View attachment 1485410View attachment 1485411

Plan is to thoroughly clean, polish, and oil both machines as well as rewire the Singer, then see what I can get for each of them on eBay.

As a person who sews, and loves old sewing machines, I can tell you that the Willcox and Gibbs machine is a particularly good find, especially in the condition that it's in. They are both something that you shouldn't have much trouble selling, if you're inclined to do so. Keep an eye out for Singer Featherweight machines, too-they have a cult-like following. Nice work!

 

[Rented Mule]

Thanks Grimaldehyde, haven't sold them yet as I have been getting them up to snuff. The Singer worked fine once I rewired the cord up to the motor, now I just need to see if the I can get foot pedal working. And I am always keeping my eyes open for a Featherweight!

 

[Grimaldehyde]

Thanks Grimaldehyde, haven't sold them yet as I have been getting them up to snuff. The Singer worked fine once I rewired the cord up to the motor, now I just need to see if the I can get foot pedal working. And I am always keeping my eyes open for a Featherweight!

I went to a tag sale with a friend of mine and they had 2 Featherweight machines in their cases-I wanted to buy one, and my more experienced tag sale friend implored me to wait until the last sale day, when the $150 price would be much lower. I didn't listen, because I knew it was a deal-I just wish I'd bought them both because I could have sold one of them for what I paid for 2

 

[AlienLifeForm]

I went to a tag sale with a friend of mine and they had 2 Featherweight machines in their cases-I wanted to buy one, and my more experienced tag sale friend implored me to wait until the last sale day, when the $150 price would be much lower. I didn't listen, because I knew it was a deal-I just wish I'd bought them both because I could have sold one of them for what I paid for 2

Its a gamble, if you want something on half off day you better know exactly where it is and be first in line. Some of the nicer things are known to 'hide' on 50% off day too, that has happened to me a few times.

 

[Grimaldehyde]

Its a gamble, if you want something on half off day you better know exactly where it is and be first in line. Some of the nicer things are known to 'hide' on 50% off day too, that has happened to me a few times.

What I tried to tell my friend is that there was no way those sewing machines would still be there two days later, especially at that price. She just didn't know about sewing machines...

Rented Mule's Willcox and Gibbs machine, in particular, should go in a flash, if it's up for sale.