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Determining the Value of an Older Sewing Machine

February 27, 2019

Finding Attachments for a Vintage Kenmore Sewing Machine - machine in a wood cabinetJust want to share this pic of my sewing machine. I want to know if attachments are hard to come by. The model number is 117-959. Any idea of resale value also?

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Finding Attachments for a Vintage Kenmore Sewing Machine
 

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Bronze Feedback Medal for All Time! 196 Feedbacks
February 27, 20192 found this helpful
Best Answer

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...

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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!!

 

Gold Feedback Medal for All Time! 949 Feedbacks
February 28, 20190 found this helpful
Best Answer

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/
 
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January 10, 2023

How much can I sell my old vintage sewing machine for?

A vintage sewing machine.
 
A vintage sewing machine.
 
A close up of the informational plate on a sewing machine.
 
A close up of the informational plate on a sewing machine.
 

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Gold Feedback Medal for All Time! 949 Feedbacks
January 14, 20230 found this helpful
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I see from the pictures this machine has a White motor, which probably indicates it is a White machine, but not necessarily.
Is this a White machine?

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Do you have the serial number?
It is possible this is from the 30s-40s.
The pictures are not good enough to read the brand.

Generally, a machine in a cabinet/desk is not as valuable as a portable model, as more people can find room for a portable but not for a cabinet.
The final value will be whatever the market for old machines happens to be in your area.
In my area, mid-Florida, this machine would probably be worth about $46-$50 but may not be a quick sell as I have seen similar machines on the curb for free.
You could try listing on Facebook Marketplace for $60 - $70 to see how the market goes in your area. Reduce the price if no one makes an offer.

Here are some links that offer information about your machine or a similar machine.
archive.org/.../2up
www.reddit.com/.../
www.pinterest.com/.../?mt=login
www.pinterest.com/.../
ismacs.net/digest.html
myvintagesewingjourney.com/.../
antiques.lovetoknow.com/Domestic_Treadle_Sewing_Machine

 
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September 9, 2022

I have a Seamstress Vibrator in a cabinet. This model's serial number is 3169909. I am wondering the year it is made. It Has a Hamilton Beach motor and a wood knee lever on the left side.


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September 11, 20220 found this helpful
Best Answer

I think your Seamstress Vibrator sewing machine is from 1930s.

I found a vintage Seamstress Vibrator sewing machine with a Hamilton Beach motor, it is listed at $60 and is from 1930's:

www.kijiji.ca/.../1303306966

Similar sewing machine with lots of photos here: excellauctions.hibid.com/.../
One of the photos shows the name of motor - Hamilton Beach motor.

 
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September 7, 2022

I've, inherited my mom's Good Housekeeper sewing machine with cabinet and foot feed. The model # is 401tw93818. Please help! I would love to know its value.

An old sewing machine.

October 8, 2021

Rehoming this family heirloom and have no information on its 'story'. Interested to find out about the cabinet and the year of this model.

Needs new wiring. Possible price point?

An antique sewing machine.
 
An antique sewing machine on a wooden stand.
 
The Hamilton Beach manufacturer's plate on a sewing machine.
 

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Silver Answer Medal for All Time! 320 Answers
October 8, 20210 found this helpful
Best Answer

Eldridge machines were manufactured shorty after the Civil War, and eventually consolidated with the National Sewing Machine Co. Interesting history; see ismacs.net/.../from_eldredge_to_national_to_janome.... Seems the owner used several manufacturers (thus the Hamilton Beach tag).
There is an "Elridge "E" model listing on ebay for $119 USD.
I'm sure the box base increases the value, but how much - I'm sorry to say I have no idea.

 
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August 3, 2021

Hello, I bought this machine, but I dont know anything about it.
There's a code (in one of the pictures) but I dont know how to look for it.Information On For Ever Sewing Machine?

 

I would like to know which year is this machine and how much does it cost.

Thanks!

An old fashioned sewing machine.
 
An old fashioned sewing machine.
 
A serial number on a sewing machine.
 

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Gold Feedback Medal for All Time! 949 Feedbacks
August 8, 20210 found this helpful
Best Answer

In the past, many sewing machine manufacturers made machines for different companies and did not use their brand name but used whatever name the purchasing company desired; these machines were called 'clones'. A prime example of this is the 'Kenmore machine' that was sold by Sears.

I have never heard of 'The Forever Sewing machine' but maybe another member will be able to help you.

You can ask your question on some of the sewing machine forums and I'm sure someone will be able to answer your questions.
You will have to join each group to be able to post your pictures/questions (free).
The problem here is your pictures may not be sufficient for some posters to fully provide answers.
Although you can use these pictures here are some suggestions:
Your full machine picture is 'good' but the clutter behind the machine head almost obscures the features of the machine (perhaps a full picture with a blank wall behind it - if that is possible).
Also, your 'code' is a serial number so that needs to be very clear (maybe write the number out).
You should have a side view so the base features can be seen.
A full picture of the head only so the decals can be seen.
Write down any numbers that can be found or any indication of where it was made (Japan?).

These are very good sites for answers and maybe finding a generic manual.
sewing.patternreview.com/.../board.pl
www.quiltingboard.com/.../
ismacs.net/digest.html
www.reddit.com/.../

 
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