Singer 221 Featherweight

[roadrunnerh]

I know, I know. Who's this guy posting about a sewing machine on a B Body Mopar web board? Well...

My wife would love to own a Singer 221 Featherweight sewing machine. Old school as in 1930's - 1950's. (They do look pretty cool and industrial as a tank).

She's super cool about my car hobby $pending, especially my Scamp 383 project that went way over budget (don't they all?). I'm going to buy her one.

Any of you guys' wives / girlfriend sew? Any knowledge on these Singer 221's would be greatly appreciated! On ebay, they range from a couple hundred bucks to insane $$.
Thanks!

 

[sam dupont]

I've had them. Always a money maker if bought right. I buy them at estate sales for 75-225. If I were looking for a keeper, I would start with the local sewing center that does repairs and tuning. You can buy one from eBay, and that's a good way to get a feel for pricing, but unless the seller has a recent receipt for a tune up, expect to pay another $100 for a tune up. $150 if it needs a clutch or something Plus, there's the $50 shipping. Might get a deal at the sewing center, or you may pay a higher price, but the machine will be ready to go when she opens the box.
Buying on eBay , I would look for a seller who is a shop so it's been tested by someone who knows what they are doing. People buy sewing machines at estate sales to sell on eBay because they are in mint condition, but parts wear. I am no expert, so I take them in for a quote and either fix them, or part them out. They net much more as parts.

 

[Lefty71]

Clicked the "watch thread" button lol.

My mom used to collect some mini antique ones..... I'll have a look and see if there's anything interesting and repost or PM.

 

[roadrunnerh]

I just scored this 1949 version on ebay last night! She's gonna love it.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2653963535...=true&nordt=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557