Well my Mum has something that looks almost identical to the one in the following link. It is ancient and she still uses it if she needs to alter curtains or hems or anything. She has made curtains up for every family member's houses over the years and can turn her hand to anything to do with sewing really. Anyway I'm totally shocked that she could have an 1876 designed and possibly built sewing machine. Well I guess if it works, it works and there's nothing more to be said about it.
http://www.sewmuse.co.uk/singer%20improved%20family.htm
http://www.sewmuse.co.uk/singer%20improved%20family.htm