If you remember using a White sewing machine growing up or watching your grandma sew on one when you were a kid, you're not alone. White was a big name in the sewing world throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, and vintage machines are still a hot item today.
Founded in 1858, the White Sewing Machine Company began making sewing machines during the height of the Industrial Revolution. Although White no longer makes sewing machines under the company's name, there are many notable vintage White sewing machine models coveted by collectors and sewing enthusiasts. Some White machines can even be quite valuable. Learn how to identify a White sewing machine and what factors may affect its value.
Notable White Sewing Machine Models
White made a bunch of different styles of sewing machines over its long history. These included treadle machines, hand-crank machines, and even electric sewing machines. A few of these machines stand out, though. These are some of the most notable vintage and antique sewing machine models by White.
The first White sewing machines were made one at a time and sold for $10 each (about $385 in today's money). They were small and simple by our standards, but the company made a quality product and developed a good reputation.
White Peerless Sewing Machine
This early machine was super popular, but few of them exist in excellent condition. A hand-crank machine with gorgeous landscape painting decals on the base, these are especially popular with collectors. White produced this machine throughout the 1800s, and the "New Peerless" took its place at the end of that century. Some models had a bentwood case similar to an antique Singer sewing machine, and some even had fold-up handles to make them more compact for storage.
White Rotary Sewing Machine
According to Kovel's, the White Family Rotary Model was one of the most popular machines White ever made. The company began production of this model in the 1890s, and it continued to be popular through the 1950s. This is the most common White sewing machine, and it's easy to find one in good condition. They came in treadle and electric versions, depending on the production year. White also produced this model under other brand names for Sears and Roebuck, calling them the Minnesota, Franklin, and Kenmore. The White rotary sewing machine actually included a number of sub-models over the years, all based on the FR or "family rotary." These include the 41, 43, and 77.
White Gem Sewing Machine
The White Gem is a less common machine made in the late 1800s. It uses similar technology to the Peerless machine but features the Gem label. It came with a cast iron base or sometimes a wooden plinth.
How Much Is a White Sewing Machine Worth?
White sewing machine values range from under $100 to over $1,000. If you have a specific machine you're considering buying or selling or you are just curious about value, it helps to familiarize yourself with the factors that can have an impact.
Factors Affecting White Sewing Machine Values
Like pretty much any antique or vintage item, the value of any particular machine depends on the model, its age, and its condition. These are some factors to consider that are specific to White machines.
- Rarity - Certain rare machines, like the Gem, are worth more. The White Rotary Machine, which was made in huge quantities, is more common and therefore, often less valuable than other models.
- Condition - A machine in working condition will always be worth more than the same model in rough shape, all other factors being equal. Additionally, for a machine to be worth the most, it should be attractive with clear, beautiful decals and paint that's in good condition.
- Age - Older machines tend to be worth more. Many machines have at least one patent and date stamped on them, but you can determine your machine's age by its serial number.
Sample White Sewing Machine Values By Serial Number
The serial number of a White sewing machine is a good way to figure out how old it is. To find the serial number of a White sewing machine, examine the body of the machine. Look on the bottom, back, and sides. You can also find it on the motor if the machine is electric. Here's a sample listing of White sewing machine serial numbers, their associated dates, and a value range based on information from Fiddlebase and additional research on values of recently sold machines on eBay.
| Serial Number | Dates Produced | Value Range |
|---|---|---|
| 1-9,000 | 1876 | $300-$5,000 |
| 9,001-63,000 | 1877-1879 | $100-$1,000 |
| 63,001-370,000 | 1880-1883 | $100-$800 |
| 370,001-970,000 | 1884-1893 | $100-$500 |
| 970,001-1,550,000 | 1894-1903 | $100-$500 |
| 1,550,001-2,300,000 | 1904-1914 | $100-$400 |
| 2,300,001-4,000,000 | 1914-1918 | $100-$400 |
Examples of Recently Sold Machines and Their Prices
In general, the best way to know how much a vintage White sewing machine is worth is to look up recently sold machines on eBay. Compare your machine against others of the same age, model, and condition to get a sense of its value. Here are some recently sold examples.
- A White Rotary machine from 1919 sold for about $400. It was in fully operational condition and beautiful shape and was a custom red color.
- The value of a vintage White sewing machine is also all about its functionality. A mid-century model that could handle heavy-duty projects and was fully functional sold for about $270.
- An antique White treadle machine with a high-quality tabletop and in beautiful condition sold for about $200.
Related: Antique Singer Sewing Machines & What Yours Could Be Worth
White Has a Place in History
Whether you have a treasure on your hands or simply a special piece of early engineering, pretty much everything about antique sewing machines is fascinating. White was just one of many sewing machine brands with a place in history. Others included Singer, Willcox and Gibbs, National, and many more. Together, these companies created the advancements necessary for the modern sewing machines we use today.
