Rain -
Outdated tension and faceplate? No, it's the same as my machine, which is only five years older, and the faceplate and tension discs are totally in keeping with the stitch length knob. The alien parts on the machine are the motor, light and solid hand wheel. It is not at all antiquated for 1950. To put it into context, the 128K was manufactured until 1961...
American built Singers would have been geared to the American market, where electric machines caught on first. There are far fewer vintage electric machines here. Also, Kilbowie was manufacturing not only for this country but also for export. Many went to countries where electricity could not be relied upon. The was still plenty of demand for hand machines.
So, all told, this machine doesn't look at all antiquated to me. It's a hand machine that was revamped to American requirements. The history behind the machine makes me all the more sure in my theory.
Last edited by Muv; 05-09-2012 at 04:23 PM.