Macybaby

steihy, your casting is a bit different. Many mfg. have a similar setup, but the casting "hides" it from view. If you look at the face of the machine - do you see the takeup lever? I can't tell if it's there or not from your pictures (sort of looks like it's not there).

And like Steve says, you won't get a stitch without that lever.

Macybaby

This one is more like yours, and it DOES have the takeup if you look at the front. the casting "hides" the back end of it.

http://www.needlebar.org/cm/displayi..._display_media

if you scroll forward one picture, you'll see the takeup (metal hook like wire) sticking out the front of the faceplate. if you turn the wheel it will go up and down.

chris_quilts

Love the wood inlay on the treadle top. Very beautiful as is the machine.

steihy

Thanks for chiming in, folks. The lever is definitely there, I've sewn miles with the machine. I can see it pivoting around the bolt through the gap. I just think it looks a little different than the Haid & Neu machines we have been comparing to, as nothing sticks out from the gap in any lever position.
I agree the casting resembles the Saxonia. I'll leave the fine points to SteveH, but personally I probably would have disregarded it because of so many other differences. Could be just different vintages, I guess.