As August begins, it is time for me to release some of the Featherweights I'd impulsively purchased a few months ago... a few were priced lower as they needed some T.L.C., which I was happy to learn about and provide. And a few were priced higher as they were sold by restorers like myself who enjoy bringing these vintage beauties back to life. There are wonderful vintage sewing machine pages on Facebook (I'll add the links to the bottom of this post) and at YouTube (Rick and I learned so much about treadles and handcrank restorations watching you tube videos.)
When I puchased my first Featherweights, a 1946 and 1950, they were recognized and valued for their 'portability.' Made primarily of aluminum, they weigh only 12 pounds or so as compared to the vintage sewing machines made of iron that easily weigh 30 to 40 pounds "naked" (meaning out of their wooden cabinets and cases.) Those Featherweights purchased in 2015 were both bought for about $300.00 each. I was contacted by eBay the next day with an ad for a celery-white 1964 Featherweight which was sold without its case, and I purchased that also, for about the same price. Soon after, I gave the 1946 to a friend who had given me a treadle, and gave the 1950 to another friend who made quilts for charity. I kept the white one, for a few years.
In today's world, the 1950 "Centennial" machine would probably list between $500-$600 ... and the 1946, because of its early 'scroll patterned' face plate, would sell similarly. You see, these mechanical sewing machines gain in value with their years, and will live on forever, and can be easily maintained by their owners. A drop of oil her and there, and some motor lube once a year is all the maintenance they need.
You can read more about my acquisition of vintage machines at this link: https://atquiltersquarters.blogspot.com/p/vintage-and-antique-sewing-machines.html
I gave two more of my earlier purchases away this past spring to relatives: a very early1935 (First years of Featherweights, dated 1933 and 1934, are currently selling for over $1,000.) And my first purchased 1964 celery/white that I finally got an original mint green and white case for. I gave another celery/white 1964 to a good friend who fell in love with her rare yellow and white case from Scotland. (All of the 1964 white Featherweights, I'm told, come from Kilbowie, Scotland, although this one for sale, dated 1968-1969, comes from Clydesbank, Scotland.)
You may want to take a look at eBay to get a sense of what these sweet little machines are selling for... often, the shipping costs add fifty to a hundred more to their listed price.
So here is a list of the Featherweights I have on hand available for money-saving LOCAL purchase now:
1947 Black Featherweight price $500
SOLD!!
- Serial Number AH223104
- Striated Face Plate
- One vintage box attachments (presser feet)
- Vintage manual
- Vintage buttonholer with manual and 4 templates
- Case in good condition; Side attachment holder in place.
- Three new bobbins; three vintage bobbins
But there are still two more left to buy:
1952 Black Featherweight price REDUCED TO $400 PLUS SHIPPING $50 in USA (BY UPS.)
SOLD!!
1968-1969 Celery/White Featherweight $750 (plus shipping)
- Serial Number FA103798
- New BobbinWinder (original plastic wheel was cracked )
- New 'Red S' Label (original was missing)
- New Clamshell Singer Foot Pedal
- Vintage White buttonnholer with manual and 4 templates
While these are not the best pictures, you are invited to call to make arrangements to come look them over and try them out. 978-352-2676. If I don't answer, please leave your name and number with a message and I will get back to you. I have been receiving a lot of scam calls and usually let voice mail answer them.
Oops: here are the Featherweight Facebook pages where I learn so much from other Featherweight Fans:
