What should I look for when getting a treadle sewing machine second hand?
Brand, Model, Functionality and Missing Parts


Singer is first choice, White second, and other brands should be
purchased only if complete (check for bobbins, presence of operating
manual, and condition of moving parts). Singers are more numerous
and, therefore, parts for them are more readily available ...  if
not from dealers, then from other old machines.
Singer made various models, and accessories are not equally easy to
find in all cases. If the machine you're considering comes with only
one or two bobbins, for instance, make sure they're the disc variety
rather than the scarcer long type.
Look over the machine carefully. A few small parts may be missing,
but such pieces are generally replaceable. Major hardware, however,
is more difficult to obtain or repair. Move the treadle to be sure
it functions, and check the rods that connect it to the wheel. See
if the skirt guard — a handy item — is in place. And, no matter what
its condition, if you come on an unusable machine for free or a
couple of dollars, take it. It may be a fine source of parts.
If you're at an auction and overhear some woman saying that she
wants a treadle operated sewer because the cast iron base makes a
nice table or the drawers make pretty flower boxes, outbid her if
you can. This sort of thing is being done far too often, and it's a
terrible waste of good sewing machines.