Singer BRK 12S

[BrendaP]

As a newbie to vintage machines I don't really know what I should be looking at, or even what a good price is!  But you lot have got me thinking for some time that I would like to get on the slippery slope of vintage but would prefer an electric model.

I've just seen a Singer BRK 12S advertised.  The photos look OK and the asking price is £120.

Any advice gratefully received.

[Holly Berry]

BRK usually refers to the motor. Can you provide a link please? £120 could be a bit steep depending on the model. Does the photo show a serial no?

[BrendaP]

Hi HollyBerry

http://www.preloved.co.uk/adverts/show/116267990/singer-sewing-machine.html?link=%2Fsearch%3Fkeyword%3Dsinger%2Bsewing%2Bmachine%2Brochester%26sectionId%3D2132

As I say I really don't know much about vintage machines, but I think it's a 201.

[Sewsuzie]

That is indeed a 201k and could be 1930s, 40s or early 50s. Not much info on its condition, but I'd say it looks pretty scruffy for £120. It's worth biding your time till the right one at the right price comes along. Another one to consider is the 99k, which is a 3/4 size machine, so more manageable weight wise. That 201 is a beast to lift! The later, more angular 201k was made from the mid 50s and has an aluminium body. Still heavy, but not back breakingly.
If you can find one that has been PAT tested and preferably rewired, that would be worth paying a bit more for, but if it's all original, I'd definitely get it checked out and get a new clam style foot control to use with it. You know you're not in for any nasty shocks then!
Good luck with your hunt, and keep us posted.

Suzie 

[BrendaP]

Thank you for that SewSuzie.

It's the first one I've seen advertised locally.  Currently awaiting a phone call - might be able to knock  him down a bit, or just walk away.

[Marniesews]

I also saw a little lovely today in a charity shop window.

Looked very nice, not especially shiny but clean and respectable and it was smooth when I turned it. A hand crank Singer 66K or 99K the little manual said. I know it's a size difference but as there was only one I found it hard to judge which it was. Probably late 50s I thought judging by the style of the light wood base.

£30 but without any attachments, just 4 spare bobbins. I had to walk away as I went off to look at embroidery machines after that.