I have been collecting sewing machines since my twins were born. I inherited my grandmother's when she moved to my Uncle's in Oregon in 1986, had a neighbor making a trip pick it up for me, a Japanese Universal circa 1959. It's the only one I had for a while, but I picked up a 1955 (or thereabouts) White, in a cabinet, at the curb in 1992, cleaned it up, oldest daughter has it. (and a couple she's bought since). Her twin has her grandmother's Brother, and a couple she bought since. Youngest daughter I'd picked up a portable singer at a garage sale for her, and delivered it, but she never could get it to work, bobbin in an unfamiliar place, so I found her a Japanese twin to my grandmother's machine, in a cabinet this summer, bought, tested, changed the belt and delivered it to her. Picked up the singer. $65 I shouldn't have spent at the shop this fall, but Singer got cleaned up and belt checked, sold it to my helper for $10 just to make room. She doesn't sew on a machine, yet, but she has 2 daughters, and she hand patches her purse and stuff, eventually she might use it. I just needed room
Because in 2012 I'd picked these 2 up and they were still sitting in boxes. I also have a White 3/4 Serger that lives in a box until I need it. Keeps dust off and I use it like every 10 years. but it comes in handy, and in temperature controlled situation the belt seems to stay good
