Actually Rare Sewing Machines
*This post may include affiliate links, which allow me to make a small commission off your purchases. The money is earned at no additional cost to you.
Many online sellers list old sewing machines as rare. In reality, however, there are very few rare sewing machines. I’ll give you basic information about machines and then get into talking about ones that are actually rare.
Note: This article will receive updates as we find out about more models. Your recommendations for rare machines are welcomed in the comments section below.
Why Aren’t There More Rare Sewing Machines?
Prior to mass import of cheap textiles, sewing machines were an essential household appliance. This appliance was used to make clothing, blankets, curtains, and other house wares. Since the sewing machine was mass produced and common as a kitchen stove, it was never considered rare.
What Makes A Machine Rare?
A sewing machine model is rare when:
- The manufacturer only made a limited quantity. (Includes color, badge, decals, and design features)
- There are very few still in existence.
What Is The Difference Between Vintage & Antique?
Antique sewing machines are 100 years or older, while vintage sewing machines are 50+ years old. This is an important fact to understand when researching the commonality of various models. Generally speaking, models over 100 are going to be a lot harder to find in good condition than younger machines.
Rare Sewing Machines
| Brand & Model | Year & / Or Serial # | What Makes It Rare |
| Singer 99 | 1922 Year August 1: Y 721131- 725630 October 9: Y 755631- 759130 | Made in Aluminum instead of Cast Iron. They only made 4500 in August and 3500 in October. |
| Featherweight 221 Singer | December 5th 1939 AF 371856 – 391855 August 15th, 1940 AF 571881- 596880 | Crinkle finish made for one day in 1939 (run of 20,000) and one day in 1940 (run of 25,000). |
| White Bronze Edition with Mount Vernon Cabinet | 1926 Anniversary Edition | Limited quantity made with actual bronze overly. (Bronze is easily damaged with excessive cleaning so hard to find one in good condition). |
| Featherweight 222K Singer | July 1953 and 1962 Made in Scotland at Kilbowie | Free arm + Feed dog drop short run with only 100K made |
| 301 Centennial Singer | Blue Badge NA000001 -NA001000 Black badge NA001001-NA010000 Test machines AK257721-AK257750 | -Blue badge only made 1000 -Black badge only made 9000 -Only 30 test machines were ever made presumed destroyed |
No Comments