Hi, I might have to post a pic but wondering if you all might let me know if worth trying to find cord. I bought a Singer sewing machine in a 70's cabinet, folds down in it, could not find a model number but when I opened the top where the thread sits, it has 174506 on it. It is a two tone brown. I got it for $5.00. It was plenty dirty, cleaned it up but has on cord. Can anyone tell me about this machine? I can post at picture later tonight if I need to. Thanks so much

Picture would definately help!!!

Here's where to look for model numbers. This confuses me. I have a 533 Stylist passing through my hands that has the number on the column. The owner told me that it was bought new in 1978. This indicates it's a 1960s machine. Hmmm.
http://www.singerco.com/support/machine-model-numbers

Look on ebay or on the net for the cord. It will cost you more than what you paid for the machine in shipping alone. You'll have to decide if that's worth it.

Could you post a picture? I think it would help a lot!
I'm not sure of the serial number.
The serial number would most probably have letters at the beginning.
A two tone brown could be several different models.
301 / 401/ 404 / 500a / etc etc etc :)

At any rate.. $5 ?!?!? WOW!

I read that when Singer stopped putting the serial number on the bed in front of the column, they started putting the model number on the column. Look for a number on the column below the stitch length adjustment. The number you found is a part number.

Any Singer dealer should be able to get a cord for you once you determine the model number.

By looking on ebay, my machine looks like a 401 A 1957 model but mine is just a straight stitch. Every one that appears on ebay is zig zag. Anyone know if this is 40lA, did they make both kinds? Thanks

Maybe this will help...

http://blog.sew-classic.com/2008/10/...ne-review.aspx

It could be a 301; that number would be on a little badge down on the front of the machine on the right side, at the bottom of the column right above the bed.

It sounds like a 404 which is straight stitch only. The 401 has internal cams for zig zag and the 403 needs cams for anything other than straight stitch.

Enjoy your machine!