Jan,
You might be able to get some more info on the machine, particularly when it was built by looking for the serial number and checking out this website:
http://www.ismacs.net/singer_sewing_...al_number.html
I found out my old Red Eye was bult in 1916. (found it at Salvation Army). It is just the head, no cabinet -- but I couldn't let the poor old thing go w/o a home at Christmas. So I bought it for $20 and managed to get it working. Just need the needle assembly and cabinet now! :-D
Enjoy your new friend!