Singer 29-4 For Sale

[Sheilajeanne]

This ad came up on FB: https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/3004428886443934/?referralSurface=messenger_lightspeed_banner&referralCode=messenger_banner

Trying to get an idea of what the machine is realistically worth (NOT paying $550!)

Seller says it's been in storage for 12 years and came originally from a tailor's or cobbler's shop.

Also wondering exactly what it would weigh with the stand - how much man or woman power would be needed to get it into the back of an SUV!

No, it's not motorized...treadle only.

Edited April 26, 2021 by Sheilajeanne

[Ferg]

Jane,

That machine in decent working order is well worth the $550. I have seen one of the legs on the base for over $100.

I have one, it is motorized with a digital. I really have very little use for it but it is restored and on a wooden pedestal stand I built.

If you can get the head off the base it weighs probably between 80 and 90 pounds, the base would be close to that also.

Don't try to haul it with the base attached.

Ferg

[Sheilajeanne]

Would you pay $550 for it without a motor, Ferg?

I've asked her if everything seems to move the way it should. It's been in storage a long time so things could have seized up.

[jimi]

Mmmm...is that flywheel shaft bent? or is it a fish eye lens??

[Northmount]

1 hour ago, jimi said:

Mmmm...is that flywheel shaft bent? or is it a fish eye lens??

Looks like the photos are taken with a smart phone, and the more close up you get, the more the wide angle lens distorts the image.  That's why selfies photos are less than attractive.  Make the nose much more prominent; anything closer to the lens looks bigger!

[Sheilajeanne]

They have sent me more pictures. The flywheel is okay and there is no obvious rust on the machine. It appears in reasonably good shape, other than a lot of the paint being worn off in places. And she says everything goes up and down and round and round when she steps on the treadle.

Have asked for the serial number, which is visible in one of the photos, but not large enough to read. I blew up the photo as best I could and the first two figures might be 78, which means it was manufactured in 1887!!

Well, I knew it wasn't young!  

 

Edited April 26, 2021 by Sheilajeanne

[Sheilajeanne]

This is the photo that give the best view of the whole machine, and shows the wear and tear:

 

[Sheilajeanne]

Okay, she got back to me. The number is G3710600, but I am wondering if there was an A in front of the G that got worn off, as there are no numbers that start with that prefix. Edit: found the G serial numbers. Looks like it was made in 1910. http://ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/serial-numbers/singer-g-series-serial-numbers.html

I have also found and read through a previous thread about these machines, where Wiz gives the pros and cons (some parts hard to find, really short stitch length when badly worn). So, I know if I decide to check it out, I will need to check the stitch length.

https://leatherworker.net/forum/topic/21807-singer-29-4-usable/?tab=comments#comment-140010

 

The Singer website has this to say about the machines. I think it was used for sewing furs, ask she said the locker it was stored in also had a lot of fur coats in it.

 

In the whole range of leather stitching this is one of the handiest machines ever invented.

It is extensively used all over the world for Boot and Shoe repairing, Furriers' work, Slipper binding, Harness work, etc.

The stitching is performed at the extreme outer end of the arm, which may be inserted into the interior of very small and long apertures like toes of shoes and boot-legs etc.

The machine is unequaled for repairing boots and shoes and will stitch closer to the toe of a boot than any other; it will use waxed and coarse thread, making a tight seam; it also uses a fine needle and thread.

 

Edited April 26, 2021 by Sheilajeanne

[ljk]

My first shoepatcher was a 29-4 for $25 still in service. By far the worst of the singer 29 series.  Mainly because the base (foot) area cannot be replaced. That being said if it sews 6 stitches to the inch and needs no parts or service it is probably worth it because the stand is included.  Oil generously particularly the head and cam bushings.  If it won't sew forget it, to expensive to repair.

[jimi]

3 hours ago, Northmount said:

Looks like the photos are taken with a smart phone, and the more close up you get, the more the wide angle lens distorts the image.  That's why selfies photos are less than attractive.  Make the nose much more prominent; anything closer to the lens looks bigger!

Aha that is what i thought but was not 100%?? sure Tom, good observation.

Yes over this end you can find them cheaper and a bit newer but you need to hunt them down, i see over in the US they ask a lot for these old patchers?