For many, the value of the old Singer sewing machine is mostly, if not, sentimental. Usually the machine they own belonged to a family member and was passed down from generation to generation as an heirloom. However, this does not mean that the value of the vintage Singer machine lies purely in sentiment or in the family tree. Many collectors seek out vintage Singer sewing machines for their rarity, their beauty, and the sheer craftsmanship that went into their creation.

Singer began manufacturing sewing machines in 1851, later in 1856 they offered the first model for home use, the cost of which was prohibitive for most consumers at the time. Most people who bought a Singer model in the 1850s did so on a payment plan, much like a credit card today.

These earlier models were bracket-mounted and featured a foot pedal, while later models featured locking-point shuttles (patented by Singer in 1859) and two foot pedals. The machine that started a home revolution was so popular that it even had its own “action figures”: toy and miniature sewing machines made of cast iron.

For the next several decades, Singer focused on creating more affordable models for home use through mass production, leaving the original beauties behind. In the early 1900s cabinets and even sewing machine tables were made with flip tops, followed by several changes that led to today’s plastic models.

Original models from the mid to late 1800’s can be valued in the thousands depending on their condition, model, original extras, casing and of course the market as well as the pool of potential buyers. While condition is certainly a factor, vintage Singer sewing machine value is based more on the year of production and the type of machine.

Factors that can be considered in determining the value of your old Singer sewing machine include the decoration of the machine and whether it is older, with one treadle or two treadles. Also, if the machine is in working condition with all original parts, the value will increase substantially. For information on your pre-1900 Singer sewing machine, you can contact the Singer manufacturer at 1-800-4-SINGER for a verbal evaluation and have your model type, serial number and ingenuity ready.