Expert: Irene Schwall - 4/18/2007

Question
QUESTION: I have a Singer sewing machine that I believe is over 50 years old. It is beige and in excellent condition. It is a hand crank and has the original needle. It has the Singer emblem on it. I have the original case which serves as a base or make-shift table. Could you give me an idea of its worth?  I will send pictures.

Thanks.

ANSWER: Hello Martha,
Thanks for your query and also for attaching photos. This is always most helpful.
You have stated that your toy machine is in excellent condition and after viewing your many photos, it appears this is so. It has the attachments and also the original case.
I would value your item at $225-$250.
Regards,
Irene


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I have not attempted to clean the sewing machine but thought I might try. It is metal so what would you recommend - maybe mild soap like Ivory liquid and water? I would not attempt to clean the case. The machine is just really dusty.  

Answer
Hello Martha,
You need to be very careful cleaning your little treasure. I'd try a 'damp' not wet cloth first, no detergent. If it is just dust, this should do the trick. Make sure that you dry the metal parts very, very well. I'd even go so far as to use my hairdryer set on cold heat and blow the dirt away before using any liquid.
Hope this works and a bit of dust on a machine this old is nothing to worry about.  I have a collection of small sewing machines and they too are dusty :)
Regards,
Irene