Ok, the Monarch will most likely be a Japanese made 15 class machine. Does it have a plate at the base of the upright pillar that says "Precision Deluxe" or something like that? If it does, it's definitely a post-war Japanese 15. These flooded the American market under an almost limitless assortment of names. They came in several colors, black and turquoise are the most common but we also see blue, pink (most sought after by collectors), white, mocha and two-toned (also highly sought). They are fun to collect because they are quite common and still reasonably priced. These are great machines. I use them for free-motion quilting and keep at least two on hand at all time. If it's a portable, you can get replacement motors and foot-pedals very reasonably. I can give you the name of a supplier if you need one. Annie Annie

I had one that I used a piece of butcher block on it. I used for an island in my kitchen (one kitchen had 12" of countertop space; another had absolutely none!) The piece was 24 deep and 36" wide. After 30 years of hard use, the butcher block cracked (yea, I know .. I should have taken better care of it but by that time, it was plant stand!) So now ... I use it as a small dining table (for 2) in a small gazebo. We found an enameled top from an old kitchen table and put it on it. And when you look for stone .... go directly to the fabricator and ask to see their mis-cuts and mis-ordered pieces. If you are flexible, you can get pieces extremely cheap. I covered a 36"x48" island in solid surface for $25/ 9' laundry folding area in solid surface for $125 and a 36" vanity in quartz for $100.

Antiques must be at least 100 years old to be an "antique" otherwise they are just "old". In addition there is a difference between a quality antique that gains value and just an interesting old sewing machine that doesn't. I don't know if the one that you are interested will fall into the interesting or valuable category - but something that is unique, in excellent condition and has appealing decoration is important. I'd be concerned about something stored in a shed - moisture could cause problems such as mildew, damage to wood and joints etc. If you do purchase it - I hope you are happy with your decision. I must admit I have 3 old sewing machines of no particular value, just sentimental - how does this happen? They multiply like rabbits?

That is also a neat idea - and I thought of that - if I only had time to visit salvage places and such. It is really strange, because mine is so low. I sort of measured it against my knee and it is about the same height as my current coffee table - yet yours is so tall --- wonder how the machine fit on top of it - mine has a whole cabinet on top with drawers (2) on each side ---- The other thing I am trying to do is avoid the Made in China tables - I just bought furniture and it is USA made. Some of the components may be made in China - I don't know -but it is made in Indiana. I have no large pieces made other than the good ol' US of A - and I would like to keep it that way. I have been looking at tables in the $600 - $800 range and all are made in China. I think this is one of the 'be true to yourself' in decorating things. It might not matter to someone else, but I find it important. Of course, when I told DH I was once again saving him money, he was all for it!!