AboutIrene Schwall Expertise I have been a collector of antique sewing tools and thimbles for over 30 years. I am also a dealer in this field and sell on eBay under the name -- serengeti2.
Please note:
I am NOT, and I repeat NOT an expert on antique or vintage domestic household sewing machines used for everyday home sewing -- I can offer help when it comes to TOY or miniature collectible sewing machines ONLY.
Experience My expertise is in ANTIQUE sewing or needlework tools & thimbles, gold, silver, brass, ivory, bone etc. Modern thimbles are not necessarily my strong point but I may be able to help so don't hesitate to ask. I am also very well versed in the identification of Hallmarks on sewing collectibles.
Organizations Thimble Collectors International
SCTC - Southern California Thimble Club
SDTC - San Diego Thimble Club
OTS - Ohio Thimble Seekers
Priscilla Nutmeggers - CT/MA/NH
Dorset Thimble Society - UK
Rund um den Fingerhut - Germany
www.925/1000.com
Cyberthimble on Yahoo
Publications I belong to Thimble Collectors International & I chair the committee 'Publishing/Grants' and oversee the research and publication of booklets relating to sewing tools and thimbles.
I have also had articles published on needlework related topics.
Expert: Irene Schwall Date: 5/3/2008 Subject: Children's Singer Sewing Machine #67A23, Little Touch & Sew
Question QUESTION: I saw a post about a child's singer sewing machine and I am wondering if mine has any value. It is battery driven, probably form the 50's or 60's (?) and in excellent condition. It has the original needle but no accessories unfortunately. Thank you for your time and expertise. I will send photos.
ANSWER: Hello Shelley,
Thanks for your query and for providing photos - this is most helpful.
Your Singer Touch & Sew dates to the 1960's. There is one just like yours currently listed on Ruby Lane for $25.00 or best offer.
Some of the Touch & Sew models were available with a polystyrene console that converted to a desk.
Hope this helps.
Irene
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Hi Irene,
Thank you for such a prompt reply. I am disappointed because the singer that I found written about was worth over $225. What makes mine worth so much less? I had gotten so excited (lol) and now I am very disappointed. I am curious about what makes for the value of one, over $200 and the value of another so little ($25). Please advise.
Answer Hello Shelley,
Value really equates to what is selling at any one time and how many of the same objects might be on the market. Also, the rarer the item the more money it will bring. Rare items also hold their value.
The value of the Singer Touch & Sew was around $75 in 1997. It is not a rare toy sewing machine and they were mass marketed. The auction sites like eBay have also had a hand in bringing down prices. I'm sorry you are disappointed but that's what happens with supply and demand and antiques are not exempt from this.
Regards,
Irene
