Collectibles-General (Antiques)/singer toy machine

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Expert: - 11/28/2007


Question

singer sewhandy model
I have a singer sewhandy model #20 that I received as a child from my grandmother. It's somewhere in the 1955 to 59 range. I still have the original box and instruction book. Copyright in the inst. book says 1955. The machine is tan, hand crank and in (what I think) quite nice condition. It worked fine except that when I let my daughter use it in the 70s the needle disappeared. The booklet says it takes a 24x1 needle. Have any clues as to where to get one ? How much would this machine be worth if I were to sell it to a collector?
Thank you for your reply
PS the picture is not the clearest we had a little difficulty. I can use a different camera later if need be

Answer
Hello Linda,
Thanks for including a photo of your item -- this is always most helpful.
It is always difficult to provide a value to something that I have never seen in person but ... if your machine is in tip-top condition i.e. complete and with no damage then it should be in the $225 range.
BUT ... having said that, there are similar machines on eBay right now with starting bids of below $10 and some that are selling for around $20:)
Re: a new needle.  
eBay is always a good source for supplies.
Please see a current auction at:
http://www.ebay.com
  3-NEEDLES+MANUALS Singer 20 Toy Child Sewing Machine  Item number: 150189053236
I hope this helps.
Regards,
Irene

Irene 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. 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

See information provided above.

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.

Education/Credentials
See information provided above.

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