The SINGER 185K Vintage Green Domestic Sewing Machine is a collectible piece from the mid-20th century. This original vintage sewing machine features a built-in light and foot pedal, making it both functional and stylish. The classic green color adds to its charm, and the brand's reputation for quality ensures a durable and reliable machine for all your sewing needs.

This is a vintage Singer Model 185K sewing machine in sage green, manufactured between approximately 1958 and 1963. It is a 3/4 size, straight-stitch only machine featuring an all-metal construction. The machine is portable, housed in a wooden base with a carrying case that is not included with the item. It is considered a functional collectible, often used for basic sewing tasks due to its robust design.

This vintage green machine is a Singer Model 185, an iconic mid-century domestic sewing machine produced between approximately 1958 and 1963. It was manufactured, designated 185K, in Great Britain.

Key Features & History
Design: It was marketed as a "portable" machine with a 3/4 size frame, though it is quite heavy at around 30 pounds due to its all-metal construction.
Capabilities: It is a straight-stitch-only "workhorse," known for its durability and ability to handle various fabrics, from delicates to denim and leather.
Lineage: Mechanically, the 185 is an updated "Jet Age" version of the famous Singer 99, featuring a more modern two-tone green paint scheme instead of the traditional black.
Accessories: The image shows original components, including the green foot pedal and the distinct matching "bakelite" carrying case.

The "RENTAL" tag on the wooden base refers to Singer's pioneering "hire-purchase" or rent-to-own system. The historical significance,
starting as early as 1856, Singer revolutionized consumer credit by allowing families to rent a machine for a small down payment—often summarized by the slogan "dollar down, dollar a week".
Rent-to-Own: Rental payments were applied directly toward the eventual purchase of the machine, making these expensive tools accessible to middle- and lower-income households.
Accessibility: In the mid-19th century, a sewing machine could cost over 25% of an average annual salary (roughly $3,500 in today's currency), so these plans were essential for mass adoption.
Identification: Machines marked this way were often part of a specific inventory used for these lease arrangements.

The Singer 185 "Rental"
While the model 185 shown in your image was produced much later (1958–1963), Singer continued various rental and lease programs throughout the 20th century. The tag indicates this specific unit was likely once part of a store's rental fleet or a similar installment program.