I read somewhere that all original FW's were black. They simply weren't made in any other color. Any other color was refurbished. But who care, right? They look good in any color. Maybe our resident machine guru can confirm???? My mum bot one from a friend for $50.00. I have now inherited that one. I saw one in an antique store window in Port Townsend, WA - $925.00 !!!! Quite a price difference ! WOW!!!