In the world of weaving there are several types of looms. It is best if the seller understands what it is they are offering and how best to price the item for a good sale.

Often sellers assume that if it is old it is valuable. This is not necessarily the case with weaving looms.

In the catagory of age there are "antique", "vintage" , "used" and "new" looms.

Antique would be anything beyond 150 years old. These looms are generally American made ( often in a European style) very large, and incomplete. At times, they are even damaged.

Because of their size, they are unsuitable for decorative purposes and only a weaver with a passion for them will buy. If tooo much work is required to restore it, no one will buy it. These looms are only valuable if they are being used and having it free from pest infestation and rot is critical.

Vinatage looms are less than 150 years old- most commonly- 120 - 50 years of age. These were usually manufactured and there is information on the manufacturer though they will have long ago gone out of the loom making business. These looms are often sought after as they were well made and no longer being made. Again, only a weaver with the intentions of using it will buy.

Used, is anything less than 50 years old, often being replaced by newer models of the same brand. These are often bought by people just learning to weave, as the company still makes the loom and is available for replacement parts and/or info or advice.

New is exactly that. Never been used. SIB- still in box.

Know your target market.

And know what you are selling.

Antique looms( aka barnframe looms)can have  a five foot "footprint", meaning that it takes up five feet of space from front to rear and side to side. This is 25 square feet! These were made one at a time, carved out of trees, and often bear a resemblence.

Most people don't have the space or patience required to use them effectively, though there are collectors who use ONLY barn frame looms and they will have the space and patience to restore and use a good loom. You can find two harness or four harness barnframe looms, and these looms can be easily converted to either by the owner.

A barn frame loom can be worth from $150( incomplete, missing parts) - 800 if it is complete and in original condition.

These are heavy, made out of mortise and tenon beams, and may require freight to ship, or pick up only.

The vinatage looms are manufactured and go by names such as Reed Loom Co. , Union Loom Works, J.L. Hammet,  Studio Looms,   Newcomb, Cambridge, Weavers Delight to name a few . These looms often had two harnesses and sometimes four harnesses and were most used to make rag rugs.

These are sometimes from grandma's estate, and were oft used and lovingly cared for. Other times, they were abandoned to the basement, barn or garage and allowed to deteriorate. The companies that made these looms are out of business, but parts may still be found here and there. They are often considered "rug looms" and are sturdy, well-built and easy to use. They were made between 1890 and 1920 or so and average price for a complete one, in useable condition without needing any work is about $450.- 750. dollars. Again shipping may be an issue - pick up only or arranging to meet half way between buyer and seller may be the best option.

Used looms can be found when people decide to scale back, upgrade or give up weaving. Todays' looms are: Schact, Harrisville, Toika,Macomber, Le Clerc, Orco, AVL among others. They may have four, six, eight or more harnesses and twice as many treadles and be suitable for beginners or complex weavers.

Remember, the age or rarity is only part of the picture when selling a loom, it's condition and completeness are just as if not more, important.