Joe, thank you so much for your thoughts and offer of help! This is what we did: my husband shortened the white cord from the plug end so that is fits neatly into the plug block which is now attached to the back of the replacement wood base. When I sit down to sew it is nearly invisible.
Not quite what I was hoping for, but a very cool little electric machine, nonetheless. Got her oiled up and running, a bit rattly, but stitching nicely. It was delightful to move this machine about -- with no hinges she must be lifted out of the base to oil underneath -- so light! I'm still looking for an aluminum Singer 99.
Sews, your Bantam is gorgeous, and in the original base. Great find. Is it aluminum?