Black Face Plate
 

Hi..I have a Singer 99 Hand Crank with serial # Y5710827 dated July 10 1928 which has a BLACK face plate.I have searched high & low but have not heard of anyone having this. I hope someone can solve this mystery.
Thanks in advance.

What you're describing is likely a "Blackside" machine.
http://www.singersewinginfo.co.uk/blackside/
http://home.roadrunner.com/~featherweight/Blackside.htm

I have 3 or 4 blackside plated machines. They do clean up nice. They do not photograph very well - looks much nicer in person.

From sewalot "The last Singer 66 in a boring dress. Circa 1936 with black side plate. Its days were numbered."

I think they're anything but boring! The photos are gorgeous. I love that darker metal with the black machines. I have yet to see one in person, probably a good thing for me too. I doubt there would be a lot of restraint with the pocketbook if it was for sale.