Silver SK327 was released in the mid-to-late 1970s. It is a standard-gauge knitting machine with 200 needles, 4.5 mm apart.
There are other knitting machines with the same model number but branded as Studio and/or Singer. It is very likely that Silver SK327 was released specifically for the Japanese markets (I can only find models with all Japanese writing on the carriage).
The machine patterns use the punch-card reading mechanism. Note that this model (unlike its earlier counterparts with just one lever) has two levers on the pattern panel: one to release the punchcard so it advances when the machine knits patterns and is passed back and forth and another to expand the pattern vertically by a factor of two.
The patterning drums then “read” the pin in this patterning mechanism (which were pushed following the holes on the punchcard) and assist in needle selection.
The machine also has a built-in knit-leader, which is a distinct feature for Silver/Studio/Silver Reed/Singer knitting machines (only a hand-full of Brother knitting machines have a built-in knit leader – KH 871, KH881 and KH891). The knit-leader is a vintage one with the rotating cylinder.
The machine has a standard set of accessories, which fit inside the stand-alone box.
During machine storage, this toolbox sits on the needle bed when not in use.
Silver SK327 is identical to Studio mod. 326 (except for the color combination), which I already described in another post in detail. Thus, read that post for all pros and cons.
Silver (also later known as Silver Reed, Studio, and Singer) manufactured several similar models of knitting machines with punch-card-reading capabilities without (e.g., SK311, SK312, SK313, SK315, SK321) and with built-in knit-leader (e.g., SK322, SK325, SK326, SK328, SK330, to name a few). Only models SK322, SK325, and SK326 have similar vintage knit-leader with a roll. Later models have a knit-leader with a slit for the sheets. The slit design makes the machine a bit lighter.
Also, notice that some of the Silver SK327 machines have two-section tool trays. earlier models, SK322, SK325 and SK326, have a one-section tool tray. Later models, starting with SK328 have built-in toolboxes with attached lids.
