January 13th, 2012 — Antique, Antique Singer Sewing Machines, Machines and Machine Parts, Sewing
If you love sewing collectibles and are trying to build up your collection, one of the best additions you can find is an antique Singer sewing machine. These machines can enhance any personal collection and may even be the focal point in your display. Before you run out and buy an antique Singer sewing machine however, there are a few things to consider.
First, you will need to take a look at the overall condition of the machine. If you don’t mind something that is a little worn, then you will have plenty of options. In some cases, having an antique Singer sewing machine that does show some wear will make a collection more interesting. However, if you are looking for a model that is also valuable as a collector’s item, it is a good idea to make sure that it is in the best condition possible.
Next, you will need to find out how the antique Singer sewing machine is powered. Early electric models are very valuable, but by far, many collectors look for the machines that were entirely powered by the user, usually through a foot pedal. There are a lot of reasons to get this type of sewing machine, especially if you love to sew but need to have a backup. Even if the power goes out, you’ll still be able to use your machine if it is not electric.
If the antique Singer sewing machine is powered by electricity, it is vital to see what condition the power cord is in. If you plan to actually use the machine, then this is absolutely paramount. Many older collectibles that still have their original cords can be fire hazards, despite the fact that they are valuable. The one exception to this rule would be if you just plan to display the machine and have no plans to actually use it in the future.
It is also a good idea to ask the seller of the antique Singer sewing machine if the machine is in good working order. You’d be surprised by just how many 100 year old machines still function as well as the day they were made. Again, if you will be using the machine, it’s a good idea to get one that works. Finding people to repair antique Singer sewing machine is not easy in some areas and you’re better served by having one that already works.
Last but not least, you’ll need to know where to find antique Singer sewing machines. The best place to look is at local garage sales or at second hand stores, especially if you can find one from an owner that is serious about sewing. You can also find many great deals at online auction sites for antique Singer sewing machines. Keep an eye out whenever you’re out and about or just searching the internet. You never know what kind of gem you’ll be able to uncover if you keep checking back at these sites or in your local area.
Photo Credits: Hammer51012
Originally posted 2008-09-17 14:00:45. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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January 12th, 2012 — Antique, Antique Lamps, Decorative Arts, Lamps
There is a huge market right now for collectible antique lamps and these functional decorative collectibles can brighten any home. If you’re looking for a collectible that is not only beautiful but also functional, antique lamps are the perfect answer. There are literally hundreds of thousands of these currently on the market and you should be able to find one that matches your tastes quite easily. Here’s a quick buying guide to get you started.
1. Does the lamp still work?
While this shouldn’t be a deal break since lamps are easy enough to repair, it is important to find out if the antique lamp is still in working condition. Remember, restoring or fixing an antique can impact its overall value, especially if you have to use brand new parts to get the job done. Ideally, an antique lamp should work, but you may want to have it checked out by a professional, depending on the age of the lamp, to make sure that it is safe to run in your home.
2. How old is the lamp?
This is a big issue when it comes to running the lamp on your standard house electricity. Some older antique lamps should probably only be used as decorative objects since they may be unsafe to plug in. Again, getting an expert opinion on this is probably necessary to make sure that you are dealing with a lamp that is safe to use as well as pretty to look at.
3. Does the lamp have any interesting history?
Antique lamps are great for conversation starters and it always helps to find out if there is an interesting history behind the lamp. This shouldn’t necessarily be something that would convince or keep you from buying, but it is information that is nice to have. In fact, in many cases, a lamp with a better history will actually be worth more money than one that does not have a known origin.
4. Is the cord in good condition?
We really can’t stress safety enough when it comes to antique lamps. Our other points covered whether the lamp still works, but you should also consider the state of the power cord before making your purchase. Antique lamps will commonly have older cords that may be frayed. These can easily be replaced, but doing so may lower the value of the lamp.
5. How many lamps of that type were made?
This is a question that any serious collector of antique lamps should ask. If you are looking for an investment in a collectible, it’s always important to find out just how many were made since this can greatly impact the overall value of the item, both real and perceived.
Antique lamps are a great collectible and many people prefer this type since they are actually quite useful in the home. Just remember to put safety first before purchasing and using an antique lamp in your home to avoid fire and electrical hazards.
Photo Credits: *clairity*
Originally posted 2008-09-14 14:00:47. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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January 10th, 2012 — Antique, Collectible, Radio
If you are in the market for an antique tube radio to restore, or you are looking for a working model, there are a few things that you will need to know before making your purchase. It is relatively easy to find broken antique tube radios, but finding them in good working order can be a bit difficult. If you are purchasing your antique tube radio online, then you will need to ask a few questions before proceeding with the sale.
- Is the original documentation included or will they provide you with a schematic? This is vital in case you need to repair the unit or if it is in need of restoration. Without a schematic, you are pretty much lost. While it is possible to find old copies of these user manuals and schematics, it is much easier to simply have it included with the unit. If the seller does not offer this, you may want to think twice about purchasing the antique tube radio.
- Is the unit in working order, and if not, does the seller know what is wrong with it? It is a lot easier to know what you are getting into before you buy your radio. Be wary of vague answers unless the seller truly does not know much about radios. If the listing simply says “does not work,” but offers no additional information, it could have a myriad of problems that will be costly to fix. It is best to err on the side of caution and look for a radio that is in either working order, or where the seller knows exactly what needs to be fixed.
- Is the power cord still attached? This is a problem that most buyers overlook. Finding old power cords for antique tube radios is pretty easy, installing them is a whole other matter. If you are not familiar with this process, you will need to hire someone to do it for you. This is yet another expense that will have to be factored into the overall purchase price. Look for radios that still have their original cords, or find one that has a proper cord that was installed by a professional.
- What method of shipping/handling will the seller use? This is actually quite important. It is very easy to break the internal parts of an antique tube radio and this will mean additional work on your part. Make sure that the seller provides with you information on how they intend to pack the radio safely and how it will be transported to your location. Make sure that you get the seller to provide you with insurance on the package, even if you have to pay extra for it.
With the right questions, you can be assured that you are getting the right antique tube radio and that you won’t have to deal with any nasty surprises or further issues that may require more money to repair.
Originally posted 2008-08-03 17:36:04. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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