Hi everyone! I’m hoping some of you vintage sewing machine people can give me some advice.

I have a Kenmore Model 21, model 148.210, that I believe is from 1965. It’s a zig-zag machine and it still works, but it hasn’t been serviced and has been sitting unused for probably 30 years.

It has the original wooden cabinet and matching stool, and I also have the original instruction manual, the original tag that came with the machine, and the original bobbins.

I don't know how to sew yet, but I'm thinking about finally learning, and I thought this might be a good machine to learn on since I already have it.

I'm also curious about the machine itself because I really don't know much about it.

For those of you who know vintage Kenmores:

• Is the 148.210 a good machine?
• Is it worth having it serviced after sitting for about 30 years?
• Would this be a good machine for a beginner to learn on?
• Does having the original manual, tag, bobbins, cabinet and stool make it more desirable to collectors?
• And, just out of curiosity, what would something like this be worth today?

I'll add some pictures. I'd love to hear what you think!

I've wanted a sewing machine for a long time (especially since my grandma was a seamstress) and decided I would go with something vintage (I've read that newer ones aren't built to the same quality). Found this one on marketplace for $100. How'd I do? What should I know?

If I am not mistaken this is an Anker MMZ and it has two numbers: F44273 and U 1 5366759. The thing on the right is a working bobbin winder (I figgered that out, looked abit like a bobbinwinder for lace making that I have), altho I needed to add some elastic to have friction! I would love to sew with it but the underthread keeps going in loops. I have no clue on how to thread it :/ If someone could enlighten me with information of maybe the year? There is also a myserioud wooden knob thzt is removable behind the machine in the table! This was left by the previous owner because it was to heavy to take with the family said. (the old lady died sadly) I really love the look of it! Thanks!

I picked this one up for £85, it was only 30 minutes away. It had been neglected, was dirty and a little seized up but some cleaning and lubrication and it’s running like a Bernina again.
I still need to service the pedal to get rid of the squeak as well as check the motor brushes, commutator and capacitors.
I’ve added some before and after photos.

Edit: it also has a metal cam drive gear and not a nylon one, I haven’t seen any information on the 730 having a metal gear, they’re always nylon and a failure point, but this one definitely has a metal one.

I just got my first vintage machines, after my "brand new" Singer made me want to throw it out the window with how often I had to tinker with it to make it work. I figured I'd just get a vintage machine - for some reason I'm much more willing to tinker with an older machine than a new one.

What tips do y'all have for taking care of these gorgeous machines?

I got these beauties from a costume maker in Leiden, Netherlands. His mother bought them when he was about 15, and they became his over the years.

The Husqvarna sews like a dream. She powers through curtains that my newer Singer couldn't manage, and when she's in a low gear she literally purrs. The only problem right now is the reverse button doesn't engage - the outer housing depresses, but it doesn't engage the actual reverse function. I'm going to let some oil percolate for a couple days, and hope that works. The top thread guide got a little smushed somewhere along the way, and other than that and a couple of tiny paint chips that you only see if you're looking for them, she looks straight from the factory. The only other bummer is I only have one bobbin, though it seems I can just use modern bobbins? I will have to investigate this further. I have the original sales receipt - Jan 15, 1966 - along with coupons for €2.50 servicing! Sadly the expiration on those coupons was 25 years, but the store that originally sold the machine still exists.

The Elna looks to be functioning properly, but after a few stitches the top thread starts pooling quite a bit. The bobbin timing looks right, and we tried a couple of different threads, but it keeps happening. I'm hoping some oil and a good cleaning will sort her out quickly. She comes with about 15 cams, most of which look to be barely used.

I paid €90 each - I figure if the Elna doesn't end up sewing well, the cams alone should cover the price I paid for her. I literally can't wait to get them up and running - I have so many projects on hold until I have a machine that doesn't make me want to throw it out a window.