Thanks everyone for your kind comments on my new Singer:)
I haven't read this whole thread, as it's a bit long, but was wondering how I can accurately date my machine? I tried Google, but nothing specific came up.
It has an instruction booklet (Singer 27K and 28K) with a date of 1903, but I don't know if that is the date of the machine or the booklet? The serial number on the small plate says K804253.
I was also given a very old box with strange bone-handle needles and hooks, and it certainly looks like it's over 100 years old.
Also, do I need to get it serviced before I try using it? I don't want to break anything.