Buyer Beware -- Craigslist Stoopid People and Sewing Machines

Okay, so today's been one of those weird days where some of us Vintage Sewing Machine Addicts dig through Craigslist ads in our area.  So we find an ad where some person proclaims a RARE sewing machine that really isn't all that rare. So as a crazy test to see if the moron... um... poster is really on the ball, we sent an email to ask a few questions.

Here is the ad BEFORE it is edited:

Then the emails and questions abound and we get this: 

So needless to say this machine was NOT made in 1874. It is actually from 1924 and 35,000 of them were made. If you pay some nutcake $150 for this, then you are paying way too much and are being ripped off. It is missing parts, it is NOT reconditioned, it is NOT original. It is a treadle and one of many that Singer made MILLIONS of. It is NOT handpainted. So no matter what some people tell you in order to get money from you, please do research and ask for Serial numbers, a front view of the machine, an open bobbin cover, and cabinet/case that they might come in for storage. For all you know the irons on this treadle may be broken, missing parts, cabinet may be damaged beyond repair, or whatever. DO NOT pay more than these machines are worth. Please use common sense as you try to add a much loved machine into your home when you are starting in using sewing machines as decorations or as a needed appliance into the household.