SteveH,
The stitch length adjusting lever on mine should be in the down position, so I changed it. The little stitch length pointer on mine is broken off. I suspect I can make a replacement.
I'll check out the bobbin winder and see what's up with mine.
BTW - A U.S. patent was issued to E. James for the Politype on May 3rd, 1887. The patent was issued for "automatic tension" and "automatic bobbin winder".
Thanks for the comments,