Those 185's are interesting. My MIL has one, in case just like it. One thing I noticed is that the green paint? stuff is lifting off/up in a couple places on her machine. Right where there's a straight line edge around the front/back, the edges have sort of delaminated. That may be typical, or may be due to South Florida humidity. Don't know anything else about it. There have to be some 185 owners on here... what do you all think?

That man scoops up more cool machines! Glad it found a home!

I just got 5 new (old) sewing machines. All with out manuels. 1. 1890 Jones and Company H C.
2. Singer 1936 99k. Is the 66 manuel the same?
3. 1917 New Home treadle. 4. Bel Air from the 50's 5. Some toy looking machine that I will give to my niece.
I can not post pictures maybe if I take Nancy a piece of chocolate at Ladies night out sewing,
she will post pictures for me. How about it Nancy? Kathie

:lol: :lol: :lol:

Billy

Here's some info on the 185 -- it's an updated 99 in new clothes!! 3/4 size!! Cool!!

"The Singer 185 was produced between about 1955 up to around 1964. It replaced the popular 99K model. The 99K was a 3/4 size straight-stitch model -- one of the classic "old black Singers". I'm not sure how long the 99 was produced -- some sources suggest it was in production for nearly 40 years (like I said, a popular machine!)

The 185 modernized the 99 -- but mainly in appearance only. The innards are still basically the same (if it's worked for 40 years, why change it?) and it's still a 3/4 size machine.

Although the 185 is basically a 99 in modern clothes, prices for 185's have edged past the model 99 (supply and demand?). I think the neat styling is the key -- along with the fact that it's a proven and reliable straight-stitch machine from back in the days when Singer machines were top of the line! "

Is you Bel Air a copy of the singer99 or of the singer 15? I had one of each, and they were great machines.

I also found that the 185J was made in Canada & the 185K in Scotland. No other difference between the two.

These may be among the last few models still made in a "western" country, before Singer sent its manufacturing to other places and the parts went from all metal to metal/plastic and plastic/plastic.

These little 185s may be the next "hot" model to acquire!!

Is you Bel Air a copy of the singer99 or of the singer 15? I had one of each, and they were great machines.[/quote]

The machine looks like a brand new 99. The outside of the cabinet looks it age tho. It is missing a section on the bottom. Kathie

....So pleased you decided to tempt him!!! The worst thing he could have replied was 'no'.

Congratulations, so many great machines coming out of the back corners (or wherever they've been stashed).

While I haven't bought anymore it's not because I'm not tempted, or watching...but there is one special one but I think it will go for too much (eBay)!! Oh well, someone else can have the pleasure of owning it.

Bronwyn ;-)