Nancy,
These nostalgic machines are made for Singer, therefore are Singers. However they are nowhere the quality of
those of yesteryear. I said to remind her that its a Singer because the Singer name does tend to make people think/ believe that they have a quality product (even though we know otherwise) and you are trying to let her down gently.
These nostalgic machines are still better than the POS plastic wonders that are today sold in that $100.00 price range.
You asked what they are made of. Cast metal just like the old ones, but not they same quality from what I've seen.
Those that I have seem had castings that were much rougher and chipping and peeling. The paint was bubbly and lifting. AND the decals were very gaudy.
I agree with you on how to spot those nostalgic machines, but don't forget to look for the plastic knob on the bed (feed dog drop). The old black Singers never had a feed dog drop on the bed.
Cathy