I hope you don't mind that I dropped in, since the machine I got today isn't a Singer (as far as I know).
I did get a patent number on it - - Montgomery Ward Model R (or it could be A) ... patent number 2.007.794
I couldn't get the machine to lift up out of its box (the cover is missing) and, it is going to take me a while to figure out how to get to the bobbin.
The other interesting (I thought) feature of this straight stitch machine is a nickel plate (I assume it is nickel, since it hasn't tarnished) about five inches long that runs under the foot the entire width of the bed of the machine - - other than that, the entire machine is a boring black cast iron body. It is printed with information about needle sizes.
I just popped in to start receiving postings from this thread.
However, if you have any pointers for me, I surely would appreciate it. <wave>