Yup it is a Singer 404 - good simple machine - easy to use link:
http://www.quiltingboard.com/vintage...e-t206688.html

What a hilarious story! You are a real super sleuth! But I was disappointed to read today that you never followed through and tried to contact him. It's like reading a "can't put it down" mystery book and then it has no ending!:D Oh well. We can now make up our own ending. :D:D

Oh Miriam, I remember reading this post when you first entered it. I am like shirleyd, what became of your thought on looking him up? I read a lot, especially on the days when I am not piecing a quilt for the county fair.....I'll keep watching, just in case you allow yourself to get sidetracked from your current chores.

I'm too chicken to call the guy - what if his wife answers...

I have one just like yours that I use as my backup machine. I've had it for awhile, maybe 10 years or so. Like my featherweight better, but this one is a good machine too.