I've never seen anything like this, so I searched the web. Found this listing on Craiglist:
http://columbus.craigslist.org/clo/1431393936.html
The cabinet was $1400 new. Looks like a different sewing machine from the one in your picture.
People are often not interested in sewing machines at auction; however, the cabinet is unique and someone may want that -- especially to strip the insides and use it as a tv cabinet or other type of storage cabinet.
Also found this ad from Florida, which sounds like the same type of thing:
http://www.inetgiant.com/AdDetails/S...d-colo/1775669
I'm thinking it's the cabinet that is Singer MOdel 280 (not 380), not the machine. Basically you should be bidding on the value of the cabinet to you, as the machine may not be anything special (but would be a nice surprise if it were).
Also found this ad in Colorado:
http://www.inetgiant.com/AdDetails/S...d-colo/1775669
Just from the 3 ads above, the asking price ranges from $250 to $1,000 (for the cabinet). The machine probably has little relative value, but the cabinet is unique.