Last week I went to the Salvation Army store and they had an old small head Singer--green in color. I passed on it then and when I went back today it was still there so I decided fates wanted me to have it. The only number I can find stamped on the head is EV77Q 863. It also says that it was manufactured in Great Britan. It was only $14.99 in a small cabinet and wiring looks good, light works and foot control works. I just barely tested it in store just to see if worked and now need to clean it up.

It might be a 185, which were from late 50's through early 60's, so still all steel. It should be in a plastic base the same color green, and they came with a cover that was also green. That's my best guess. I haven't looked up the serial number you showed yet...although it looks a little strange to be honest. I'll try looking it up next and come back and post.

OK...here's the info

[TABLE]
[TR]
[TD]EV-
[/TD]
[TD]721489
[/TD]
[TD]771488
[/TD]
[TD]285K
[/TD]
[TD]50000
[/TD]
[TD]February 6
[/TD]
[TD]1964
[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]

So, 285K is the model, which the K means it was made in Great Britain.

Thanks for the information. Since it is in a cabinet I don't know what the case may have looked like. I thought the number looked weird too but that's what it says. Definitely all steel because it is very heavy for it's size. I'll try to post a picture soon.

That cabinet is worth more than the machine. Those 285 machines weren't much good - the 185 is good and That cabinet will fit a Singer 99, a Singer 185 or a Singer Spartan - kind of hard to find cabinets to fit those. Nice find. http://www.free-guitar-tablature.com/Singer285J.html

Miriam, thanks for that educational link!! Very interesting!

I have this machine but as a portable in the green plastic case and yes, it is heavy. I got mine a number of years and recently did a search on it. Turns out they are not well thought of and are noisy. However, I oiled and lubed mine and then used it to sew patches on a boat cover. Worked like a charm chugging through several layers of tough fabric. Heavy duty machine for sure. Good luck with yours.