Determining the Value of an Older Sewing Machine

Pghgirl40
Bronze Feedback Medal for All Time! 196 Feedbacks

February 27, 20192 found this helpful

There are some sellers on eBay who have the machine + accessories. You could always ask them to break up the set and sell you the accessories separately. Some are willing because a "bid" i the and is worth two in the bush (to misquote the famous saying of a bird in the hand). Here are today's listings:

www.ebay.com/.../i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=117-959+kennmore...

As for the value, it depends on if it is working, you have the book, and the overall condition of the cabinet.

Right now on eBay all of the machines that were listed are unsold (so the value is nothing until they sell):

www.ebay.com/.../i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=117-959+kennmore...

You may want to watch the active sales from the first link to get SOLD prices and that will give you today's value--as long as you see an apples to apples match.

Post back what you decide! This machine is a work horse and can last you forever if well cared for!!

cybergrannie
Gold Feedback Medal for All Time! 949 Feedbacks

February 28, 20190 found this helpful

You will have to do a lot of checking generic vintage Kenmore accessories/parts to find items that fit your machine as many sellers will not show the numbers their items fit.

• You do not have a complete number for your model so I would recommend that you contact Sears Parts and find out more about this machine before looking for accessories as the more information you have the easier it will be to locate items for this particular machine.
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• I believe that model is a White machine but Sears can tell you for sure and what White models will also fit your machine. They can tell you the full model number and year it was made (some parts can be found with just the 117-959) and may also have some items for you to purchase.
• Here is a link that has their contact information.
• www.searspartsdirect.com/.../contactUs.pd
• Here is a machine that has been listed for a while that is maybe the same model (but may not be the same year) and has a lot of accessories listed. The cabinet seems to be a little more elaborate than yours (larger cabinet with larger drawers and a double open top) but the overall machine looks to be in good condition.
• They are asking $100 with "pick up only" and it has not sold. It is possible the location is the reason it has not sold and if listed in a different location the value may be higher.
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• www.ebay.com/.../302694836131?hash=item467a04a7a3...
• Usually the same accessories/parts will fit several different models and sometime the seller has no idea as to what machine their items will fit but if they have correct information, they will list the model numbers in their description.
• Here is a link that will explain what I mean. There are several listings for Kenmore accessories/parts but not many have a model number showing. You will have to check each link to see if it matches yours or if it is even still available. This is how some people do "research" and can be very time consuming but may also be very productive.
• www.google.com/search?q=Attachments+for+a+Vintage...
• If you wish to sell your machine, I would suggest listing it on your local Craigslist, USA4Sale, Nextdoor or any site that has pick up only as these machine are very costly to ship.
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• You could start your price high ($300 even) and just lower it if no one shows an interest.
• nextdoor.com/

Elizabeth
Bronze Feedback Medal for All Time! 108 Feedbacks

May 25, 20110 found this helpful

My daughter bought a '78 Kenmore in the cabinet for $30 and it needed a $30 part and she is sewing up a storm for $60. She loves it. Older machines do not bring much. Hope this helps.