What is the value of your vintage Singer sewing machine?

How to identify a Singer sewing machine - the most common models: STILL IN PRODUCTION
Let’s say you have an old Singer sewing machine and want (or need) to sell it. What is the value?
‘Erik, can you help me?’
Well, I WANT to help. But determining a set value is hard to impossible.
Most sewing machines are affordable because millions of them were made and they still work.
Other Singer sewing machine are more sought after and have a higher value (for collectors).
Let me put it like this: Old vintage sewing machines do not cost a lot!
I hope this video helps you. And I’ll show some examples.
Timestamps:
0:24 Introduction & The issue at hand
1:24 The 4 most important factors
3:56 Some extra factors
5:34 What are the selling for?
7:20 Buying and selling
8:06 Outro
The most important factors that determine the value:
-- The model. Common machines, made in bulk are worth less. Is the model rare, desirable or does it have special features, then the price will rise.
-- Variation: Often a machine in a cabinet is worth less than the portable ones. Can it do more, than it’s worth more. (Thinking of the 2 versions of the Singer model 306.)
-- The condition it is in is crucial! A non-working machine is basically worth nothing. But a seller want more than just a working machine - The decals have to be gold colored (so do NOT clean it with water), and most prefer a machine without chipped paint.
-- Is it complete, with a foot pedal or knee lever? Are all accessories included?
-- The location is a factor too. In some areas the price is higher (or lower), so a certain machine can be worth more or less depending on your location (and availability of the model in that region).
-- A desirable machine is worth more. Do you want it badly? Then you’re going to pay more. A rare machine is NOT necessarily worth more; A Singer 78 (30,000 made) is worth less than a Singer 221 (over 3 million made).
I have multiple vids online on Singer sewing machines. Feel free to watch more...
Used royalty free soundtrack/music: youtube audiolibrary
Vital Whales - Unicorn Heads
Swimming Lessons - Bail Bonds
Gear:
Sony PDW680 broadcast camcorder and/or Canon 5D Mark II
Tascam DR60D-MII for Voice-over
Edited with Final Cut Pro x
Note: English is not my native language. My sincere apologies for any mispronunciations!

[@AI-Troll]

Someone in my old apartment block someone had abandoned an old singer. Since someone will carry it out anyway, so I took it under my protection. Can't remember the model but the year was mid 1920's. Great condition, it's at my sister's place, she uses it every now and then

[@4486xxdawson]

The value is based on how much you love them , ive paid as little as 20 bucks and as high as 250 and even got some for free , the price is subject to how much you want a machine , if you want a certian model right now or if your willing to wait , most times if you wait one will show up at a low price because someone just wants it gone , treadles seem to go cheep because the space they take where as in a case they are more apealing , most of my collection are in cases ......

[@erikneek]

yes yes yes... we are at the same page. I my video I tried to explain that too. Awesome!

[@alicearmen5601]

They like them, collect them, AND use them!❤

[@erikneek]

We all do, right? ;-)

[@alicearmen5601]

These machines are wonderful to sew on, almost magical. To me that’s a well-kept secret--and they’re so cheap!Thank you for spreading the word👏🏼

[@erikneek]

@@alicearmen5601 Thank you so much Alice. When working with those old Singer sewing machines I have the same feeling. It's a great hobby and it doesn't cost a lot. Keep enjoying your Singer!

[@donadams3728]

Nice job, Thank you!

[@cc-qu7gz]

Souch an 8nteresting video, and your accent and way of apeaking is relaxing and lovely! 🤗

[@erikneek]

Thank you so much!

[@naomivantonder1161]

​@@erikneekVery true

[@sewsew100]

Nice collection of machines!

[@erikneek]

Thank you so much. What machine did you like the most/best? Is it the dusty 99k? 🙂

[@brendatrembinski8703]

Thank you

[@clementihammock7572]

Needless to say, well kept and well painted Singer Featherweight 221K and 222K command very very good price. 🤭

[@erikneek]

Hi Clementi. Thank you for your (trusty) comment. Always great to read your reactions. The Featherweights are... a special breed 🙂 LOL Sometimes you might get lucky, but I've seen people asking WAAAYYYYY too much, like thousands for a 221.

[@sandybruce9092]

I was curious to know what the exchange rate is from Euros to US Dollars - it’s very close - so the prices you said you paid for several machines were really incredible! These machines would sell for so much more here in the US! I’m nit in the market for more purchases (getting way too old!!) so I’ll probably have to think about selling some if my collection😩😩😩

[@erikneek]

Hi Sandy. Thank you so much for watching and your message. The exchange rate Euro vs USD is near to 1:1 or so. What you could try is to fill a shipping container with old Singers from The Netherlands, Belgium and Germany and ship it to the US. Start a business and make some profit 🙂 LOL! Take care (and I hope you do not have to sell your collection....)

[@diola470]

wow, mine is semanco 1923 dating

[@victorrodea7163]

Just acquired a singer 651506. Can you tell me something about it? Cosmetically it's in good shape. Not a treadle uses pedal for motor. Table it came with is well beat up. Thank you.

[@erikneek]

Hi Victor. Thank you for your message. I would love to help you but I need the serial number of the machine to do that. Most often the serial number of the machine is stamped on the front of the sewing bed, below the pillar. It starts with a single or double letter and some numbers. (The serial number is NOT on the motor!) By the way... Some models (after the mid 1950s) have the model number on the pillar too - That is 3 numbers and sometimes a letter too, like 201K of 221-.

[@b00dieanne]

Can you help me…I may have one of the machines you showed in your video, you said “you regretted” getting rid of it after using it for a video. It’s the Singer 306K from 1955. Can you give me any idea of its value today approximately? It’s in a table cabinet with stool, foot pedal with 2 boxes of accessories. It looks exactly like the one you showed in your video. Any help would be wonderful. BTW I’m in Canada. Thanks!

[@erikneek]

Hi, thank you for your message. I would LOVE to help you, but it is impossible for me to say anything about its value. I don't live in Canada and I don't know anything about the sewing machine market in your lovely country. I do know that a k-version (made in Kilbowie/Clydebank) is more rare in Canada. I'm sorry I cannot help you. You might want to ask this question to fellow Canadians in a vintage sewing machine group om FB. Good luck!

[@Lexalight]

i found a singer 99k today on the streets 😢 someone just left it. i liked it so much i brought it home. but i have no knowledge of sewingmachies. can anyone help me?

[@erikneek]

Thank you for rescuing your 99k. Singer had two standard sizes for domestic sewing machines. The full sized and the 3/4 sized machines. The Singer 99 is a 3/4 sized machine and is basically a Singer 66, yet smaller and lighter. Like the Singer 66 it is nearly unbreakable. The 66 and 99 both use the class 66 bobbins and NOT the standard class 15 bobbins. (The class 66 bobbins are still available.) It uses the standard 15x1 needle, also known as the 2020. The letter k after the model number means it was built in the Kilbowie factory in Clydebank Scotland. There is a FB group dedicated to the Singer 99 & Singer 66. You might want to join that group? Good luck and take care! Erik

[@nick17gar]

Hey man can u help me identify a machine? It looks like its made between 1864 to 1908... but i csnt find antrhing similar

[@erikneek]

Hi Nick. A 1864 machine is REALLY old, like one of the first sewing machines ever made. Is it a Singer? Does it have a serial number or any other things you can tell me about it? It's hard to help: You cannot post a picture on KZbin. But... There are multiple Facebook groups on Vintage Sewing Machines. You may want to join such a group and post a photo there. Good luck!

[@maryvonneadams9378]

So much more expensive in Australia

[@1683clifton]

Do the uncommon singers fail to do the modern stitches or is it better?

[@erikneek]

Hi. Well first I would say: What is your definition of an uncommon Singer? The 201 is an old machine, yet common, and has a great stitch. The 221 is very much sought after, less common (but 7 million made worldwide) and has a great stitch too. The 78-1 I have is rare and has a marvelous stitch. Frankly I haven't seen a Singer with a terrible stitch. But that is my opinion. Have a great weekend

[@brendatrembinski8703]

I have a Jo159322 singer sewing machine. I am not having luck to find the value. Are you able to help me? Thank you

[@erikneek]

Hi Brenda. Thank you for your message. Unfortunately the provided serial number is inaccurate. Singer never used an o (letter o) in the serial number and never started the number with a 0 (zero). Maybe it starts with a JC or JD??? The serial number starting with a single letter J prefix is linked to the Kilbowie factory in Clydebank Scotland (early 1900's). The double letter prefix serial number staring with JA and up to JE was used by the St. Johns factory in Canada. The value of your Singer sewing machine is determined by many variables. Such as the model, condition it is in and local/regional market. Therefore it is impossible the value your machine without knowing the model, condition and me not knowing your local market. Good luck with your machine!

[@rajaswary6103]

I have a 224 model, I wants to seii it. how to put it for sale I'm from malaysia

[@erikneek]

Hi. Well.... I don't know what websites you have in Malaysia for selling used items. You can try FB Marketplace or Ebay. Or any other local/national website. Good luck!

[@laloz7549]

I want to sell my antique singer sewing machine with cabinet! But they don't give any money in my country.. it stays at home WHAT CAN I DO??????????

[@erikneek]

Sometimes an old Singer sewing machine is not worth very much. Nothing you can change about it. I still have my first DSLR camera because it is not worth anything. It's a shame, but it is what it is. Try selling on FB Marketplace or post pictures at a FB group specialized in old Singer machine. I hope that helps. Good luck!

[@angelitanipales8271]

How much you buy an antique singer of 1917-20 model

[@erikneek]

That depends on the condition it is in, if it is complete (with clamp and box) and the location.

[@rndea100]

what about a 206k industrail an a 206d

[@erikneek]

It all depends on the variables I mentioned in the video. The is NO FIXED PRICE! Plus: The value can change in your location for the same machine over time. If you ask me personally...: I only had one 206k (1952), it costs my only 25 euros. I was lucky. Prices in my area are relatively low compared to many locations in the US (or elsewhere). I dont have a Singer 206d but I think a collector would pay more for a 206d compared to a 206k. PS. A 206 is NOT an industrial sewing machine but a machine for domestic use!

[@marisolrodriguez8781]

I have a B1165211 do you know how old it is?

[@erikneek]

You might have a 1905 Singer model 15.

[@rogerpeggywheat1630]

Do you regret buying the 306K, or selling the 306K?

[@erikneek]

Buying one was my best decision. Selling it was the worst decision.

[@user-wr7ts6qi1o]

How much the value of sewing 1912

[@erikneek]

That is a vague question. By the year 1929 Singer had made over 3,000 dfferent models. If you want to know the value, first you need to identify your Singer (=model number). Then watch this video. There is not a fixed price, it depends on a lot of factors like the condition it is in, the model number and where you're located. Good luck

[@ninecatsmagee8384]

Wow, Singer is cheap where you live. In the UK a 222K can easily bring £1000.

[@erikneek]

The 222k will probably do the same here in The Netherlands = 500 up to 1000 euros for a truely great machine. The 221k is worth less, 100-500 euros. Depending on state etc. Other machines are waaayyyyy cheaper.

[@sandybruce9092]

Exactly! I have 4 221 machines and one 222K - I love the way they sound! My much mewer machines are starting to get too heavy for me to take places so I thunk I’ll just have to break out my little cuties! I do have a Singer Spartan Hand Crank that I thought I wouldn’t be able,to use easily (not very coordinated!!) but I can use it perfectly. Great for sewing very small quilt pieces or very small foundation paper pieces!

[@naomivantonder1161]

Good afternoon I have a singer, serial no AF 387-387. It and the case is in immaculate condition and has all of it parts and book. It says made in the USA. Could you please look up the value for me. I loved your video.

[@erikneek]

Hi Naomi. The AF serial numbers were built in the factory in Elisabethport New Jersey. Can you please check the serial number provided? There shouldn’t be a - in the serial number. The value is determined by many factors such as location, accessories and even how much an individual wants that specific machine. I can tell you what I would pay for it (if you have that serial number) but that what I would pay in The Netherlands. I don’t know it that would help you… Good luck

[@naomivantonder1161]

​@@erikneekAfternoon Erik. Thank you for responding to my previous message. I made a mistake by adding the - to the number. The serial number is AF 387387. All the assesories are there and the machine is in ammaculate condition. No paint chips or scratches. The only damage is the handle of the case has a bit of damage. Could you please tell me the value more or less and if it is a sought after machine for current buyers. Thank you very much. I love your videos. I was never interested in sewing machines but the more I watch your videos the more interested I am becomming.❤❤

[@erikneek]

​@@naomivantonder1161 Hi Naomi, so lovely to read your comment. Your machine could be a 1939 Singer model 221, also known a the Singer Featherweight. (Does it look like the machine in this video? kzbin.info/www/bejne/pqe6i2aNicdnitUsi=nMUmXCN5P1KD-O-r) The Singer 221 Featherweight is a very popular machine and is very much sought after. However it is not a rare machine. Around 7 million 221's have been built since 1933/1934, in 3 factories (USA, Canada and Scotland). There is also a second Featherweight model: The Singer 222k Featherweight is slightly different and was produced only in Scotland and is worth more. I bought a 221k for over 110 euros which is a steal to be honest. In my area a good one goes for 300 up to 450 euros depending on the condition. In some territories they go for more. I'm planning to do a video on my 221 sewing machine, but that will take me months to complete. There area few groups @FB about the Singer Featherweight sewing machines. If you want to read more, I would suggest to visit the Singer Featherweight Shop for info and supplies. (There is also a book written about the Singer 221 Featherweight by the way.) I hope this info was sufficient. Take care and have a wonderful day.