History. Singer's original design was the first practical sewing machine for general domestic use. It incorporated the basic eye-pointed needle and lock stitch, developed by Elias Howe, who won a patent-infringement suit against Singer in 1854.

While plenty of antique sewing machines exist, Singers are arguably the most well-known, and as such, are in high demand. Even machines created as late as 1970 have value. (In other words, you may get a very good price on a machine that's not that old.)