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FW 221 listed as a draw? Auction Rookie Asking.
PattiAnnJ   Advanced OH USA Member since 12/3/06 Posts: 5223	Login to reply to this post 2 members like this. Date: 10/1/12 2:44 PM Yesterday, I attended a local heirs' auction that included two Singer Featherweight/221 sewing machines. Looked them over before the auction began and noted that each had several attachments, power pedal, instruction manual and carrying case. I also noticed they both had a bit of mildew on the edges of the machines and inside one of the cases. Under the table displaying the Featherweights was a Singer 440 with a carrying case that was not mentioned in the ad for the auction. Inside the house was a Necchi in a desk style cabinet, this machine was also not listed in the ad. After about an hour, the 221s where presented for bidding. They were selling them as a lot! I am now thinking, the Necchi probably was the only machine that belonged to the homeowner and the 221s were put in the auction for a "friend" of the auctioneer as a draw since most items being auctioned were of low quality. After the final bid for the 221s, I overheard the auctioneer tell the new owner that the machines had belonged to two different owners. Those of you who are auction experienced, is this the norm to bring in merchandise to beef up the attendance? Since I did not want to shell out the big bucks for two machines, didn't want the 440 nor the Necchi (reminded me of a crappy CraigsList ads), I called my husband to come pick me up and I went home and ate a big slice of cake! No crying, just eating more cake and ice cream. Maybe I will pursue the 221 or, not. My current stable does a great job of sewing and, as my husband occasionally reminds me - you can only sew with one machine at a time............then I remind him he has many duplicate power tools in the garage that he can only use one at a time. Please join me and, LOL! PS: I did meet some nice people while waiting for the 221s to be offered. ------ “I don’t give them Hell, I just tell the truth about them and they think it’s Hell.” — Harry Truman
justgail Intermediate IA USA Member since 1/19/06 Posts: 537	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 10/2/12 1:20 PM I don't know if it's normal, but it's not unusual to combine sales if there's not really enough for separate sales. The sale ad usually indicates that somehow, either listing multiple estate names, or name "plus consigned items". What does seem odd is selling both 221s together esp. if they had 2 different owners - it seems like they'd get more money separately. Maybe a bidder had connections and got the auctioneer to do that?
PattiAnnJ   Advanced OH USA Member since 12/3/06 Posts: 5223	Login to reply to this post In reply to justgail << Like this post Date: 10/2/12 1:59 PM Exactly my thoughts. Especially since one of the auctioneer's assistants remarked to the new owner, "These are good machines, Joe." I think the assistant knew the owner or owned them himself. Could be there were two original owners and the one selling owned both. Still, if they were mine I would have asked for separate sales. The bid started at $500. No bites, then dropped to $50 and ended up at $225. Separately, they could have gone for over $150 each. The machines needed TLC and there was a sign indicating the bobbins were with the "see the lady" person. Don't know if they meant bobbins, bobbin cases or both as both were missing from the machines and accessory tray. The last time I bought a SM from this auctioneer, he knew nothing about sewing machines. I was the only bidder, and he seemed relieved I was even interested. He had it removed from the house for an early bid. I, as well as the auctioneer, his assistance nor the bidders knew just how much a Singer Rocketeer can bring. When I got home and started looking for information I was flabbergasted! My once in a lifetime purchase. :rolleyes: ------ “I don’t give them Hell, I just tell the truth about them and they think it’s Hell.” — Harry Truman
PattiAnnJ   Advanced OH USA Member since 12/3/06 Posts: 5223	Login to reply to this post In reply to justgail << Like this post Date: 10/2/12 1:59 PM duplicate -- Edited on 10/2/12 2:21 PM -- ------ “I don’t give them Hell, I just tell the truth about them and they think it’s Hell.” — Harry Truman
lisalu Advanced Beginner GA USA Member since 10/5/08 Posts: 1810	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 10/2/12 2:17 PM So curious....how much does a Rocketeer go for (not counting a cabinet)? I paid $50 for my 503 and think it was a great deal. ------ Margaret (Singer 201-2), Betty (Singer 15-91), Bud (Singer 503), Kathy (Singer 221), Liz (Singer 221 Centennial Edition) http://runningstitches-mkb.blogspot.com/
PattiAnnJ   Advanced OH USA Member since 12/3/06 Posts: 5223	Login to reply to this post In reply to lisalu << Like this post Date: 10/2/12 2:28 PM They are listed around $300 on eBay without the cabinet. That is the asking price and I don't see any bids on the current selections. I keep hoping the economy will improve for the benefit of everyone in the immediate future. Mine came in a console, all the accessories, manuals and original sales slip. ------ “I don’t give them Hell, I just tell the truth about them and they think it’s Hell.” — Harry Truman

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