This is too cool!!
First of all, that's funny Andy (big hug by the way).
For Martin, THANK YOU! I have always had a very special interest in these models. These were a step-up from the plastic panels that debuted in 1972. I always thought the big knobs were really cool, and as you went up in the line, that big timer knob went from all white, to this hybrid half-white half chrome, to all chrome.
As I mentioned in the other thread, I had one of these in Avocado, but it was in rough shape, and was taken when the scrap guys took my trailer load of washers a couple years ago. I had access to one of these in gold in the 1990s (it was the step down model without the bleach dispenser), and it was mint. I think the guy parted it out. Haven't seen another since except that white one on Charlotte's Craigslist.
Info for ya Martin: First, the machine was made the 13th week of 1973. The conversion to the plastic tub rings happened right about that time. My '72 Lady was made in the 5th week of '73 and it has the plastic ring, my two steps down 1972 plastic top, made the 7th week of 1973 and this one too don't yet. I think it started first with the Ladies. By 1974 they all were plastic. A quick check on Sears parts site showed five versions of this (110.7204640, 641, 642, 644, and 645) No 643!. The 644 and 645 have the plastic ring. Oddly, it also showed the first version, the 640, to have the straight vane agitator. That's what the catalogs say it should have, but I always thought that was a catalog error as all those I've seen, plus the ones in the stores, always had 'Swirls.
Thanks again Martin!
Gordon