Singer 185, 185K and 185J Sewing Machines

The Singer model 185K sewing machines were made in the Kilbowie factory in Scotland between 1958 and mid 1963. Similar 185 models were made in the USA and 185J models in Canada. The British 185K’s were tan and brown, whilst the US 185’s and the Canadian 185J models were both green.

In May 1963 the 185 was replaced by the 285. This looked identical to the 185 externally, but used a different underbed mechanism with a rack and pinion to operate the oscillating hook.

185K

185K

The Singer 185K was a cosmetically re-packaged electric version of the long serving model 99K, which re-used the same mechanisms and many of the same parts as the 99K. The Singer 185K was itself replaced by the 285 which although it looked almost identical to the 185K, had a completely new oscillating rack and pinion drive arrangement to the lower hook mechanism under the bed.

Some later examples of the 185K had a larger 120mm diameter balance wheel with 2 grooves in the face so that is could accept the traditional hand winder mechanism.

185K Wheels

Two styles of balance wheel

Technical Details

Size 3/4 Full size (12-1/2" base)
Motor Singer BAK or BZK-5 (external with V belt)
Drive Belt Simanco Part No. 196386 (15" - 38cm O.D)
Needle 15X1 (Flat to right)
Needle Threading Left to right
Bobbin Class 66
Work Light Fitted to rear
Finish Tan/Brown or Green in USA/Canada

185K Serial Numbers

From Number To Number Quantity Date
       
EN 754334 EN 804333 50000 4 August 1958
EN 864334 EN 914333 50000 5 December 1958
EN 971354 EN 978853 7500 26 January 1959
EP 000001 EP 060000 60000 25 February 1959
EP 192001 EP 242000 50000 7 May 1959
EP 357571 EP 407570 50000 27 July 1959
EP 558472 EP 608471 50000 29 October 1959
EP 708473 EP 758472 50000 11 December 1959
EP 922033 EP 972032 50000 22 January 1960
ER 024534 ER 074533 50000 17 March 1960
ER 128034 ER 178033 50000 2 May 1960
ER 318534 ER 368533 50000 16 June 1960
ER 418534 ER 468533 50000 21 July 1960
ER 743039 ER 818038 75000 15 August 1960
ER 922033 ER 923832 1800 14 September 1960
ES 177744 ES 227743 50000 24 November 1960
ES 437444 ES 487443 50000 1 March 1961
ES 691444 ES 741443 50000 31 May 1961
ES 961244 ET 011244 50000 16 October 1961
ET 476325 ET 526324 50000 22 May 1962
ET 526325 ET 576324 50000 22 June 1962
ET 701487 ET 751486 50000 11 September 1962
ET 838987 ET 888986 50000 9 October 1962
ET 900707 ET 950706 50000 10 December 1962
EV 070412 EV 120411 50000 14 February 1963

The serial numbers for the USA and Canadian built machines are not included.
Can anybody help with these ?

Photos

(Courtesy of Lynn Kenan)

Singer 185K-01

185K - Front

Singer 185K-02

185K - Faceplate

Singer 185K-03

185K - Back

Singer 185K-04

185K - Balance Wheel

Singer 185K-05

185K - Top