Union Special Sewing Machine

[Virginia Taylor]

A friend of mine has got 2 Union Special Sewing Machines.. I have never heard of them so don't know what they are worth.,
Can you help me?.

[Mike]

Never heard

[sofadoc]

Are they walking foot machines? If so, probably pretty old. I wouldn't give much for them. Parts are probably scarce. I'd stick with more common brands like Singer, Pfaff, Juki, Consew, etc.

[brmax]

They are a old company like 1940s based out of chicago here but some machining started from germany, model numbers on the machine will no doubt be a need.
I have heard pros mention having them, but im not a pro.  If some pictures could be posted there is always some answers and i would like to here about them.

[kodydog]

Found this on the net,

Established in 1881, Union Special is the oldest, largest and last Industrial Sewing Machine manufacturing company remaining in the United States, producing "Finest Quality" sewing machines and parts from casting to finished product all under one roof.

Bag Making, Bag Closing, Carpet Serging, Sewing Geosynthetics, Mattress Tape Edging, Canvas seaming, and Panty Hose seaming are just a few of the industries we service.

Union Special continues to provide genuine parts in support of the vast array and volume of Union Special brand machines in operation in the market today. Though our primary focus today is the non-apparel sewing industries, we also continue to produce 56000, 53000 and 39500 series sewing machines for the apparel markets.

Union Special's large variety of state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment is operated by people who have set an industry standard for excellence. CNC equipment such as Machining Centers, Turning Centers and Grinding Center as well as Precision Investment Casting, Heat Treating, Powder Paint application and In-House Assembly, provide for finished machines and parts that are second to none in quality, performance and longevity.

http://www.unionspecial.com/

Is the one your looking at for upholstery?

[Virginia Taylor]

His renters moved off and left them, he will send pictures.
and I will post them

[sofadoc]

So the renters didn't want them huh? Hope your buddy isn't looking for a big payday. ;)

[Mojo]

Virginia:

I contacted Bob Kovar at Toledo machine on a couple Union Specials that were offered to me. This is basically what he told me - They are rock solid machines built like tanks but have fallen from favor with the sewing world. Parts are expensive and hard to find now. Make sure they are not sergers, baggers or binders. I have seen very few Union Special straight sewing machines. They specialized in binders, bag and serger machines.

I would only consider them under these three conditions: 1.) They both work great 2.) They are complete and no parts are missing 3.) They are real cheap.

If they are in good shape and walking foot machines I wouldn't pay over $ 200 each.
I turned down the two machines I was looking at.

Chris