Skyangel

Oh, What a shame to lose the cabinet. I am missing the small pieces of molding right at the bottom right on mine, maybe 2 (of the 4) of yours would be salvageable. As far as opening the bobbin case, as I recall you move out the bottom of large ring out and the bobbin comes out. I have found it awkward to load mine, they are known to pinch fingers! The key does (did) go in a hole on the left side, (right side of the drawers) about in the middle. I didn't get one with mine. Nice haul of accessories and real nice condition considering the rust on the machine. You even got a box! I'm working on getting a complete puzzle box (Thanks Macybaby!) even though they are later than my machine which is 1886. I only got 4 bobbins but I understand that there is a modern industrial bobbin that fits.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]473875[/ATTACH]
I'd start with soaking it real good with lots of oil and letting it sit. Then use cotton balls with more oil to wipe on the outside. Then maybe show a better picture of the decals. Mine are the apple blossom and I'm not sure yours are the same. The Needlebar directory shows one called #10a Floral Variant that might be yours but the only picture is blurry so I can't tell for sure. The color floral decals are my very favorite.

Mrs. SewNSew

Joe, I had thought about the possibility of trying something like that, but the horror stories I was hearing were pretty bad. I wouldn't even know if Ihad solved the problem or not before possibly infecting my premises.

Skyangel, It's a shame cannot help you. I no long have the cabinet. I have a better photo of the machine so you can see the flowers, what is left of them.

Skyangel

It looks better already! But the decals are different from my apple blossoms:

[ATTACH=CONFIG]473912[/ATTACH]

But they be like this one from Needlebar:

[h=2]NB #10a Floral Variant[/h]Used on: Improved Family
'Recorded use: 1886 - 1888

[ATTACH=CONFIG]473913[/ATTACH]

Mrs. SewNSew

Oh you are right! It does not look like the apple blossoms after all!

ArchaicArcane

Good job, Ron! To me, the worms are a real hazard, so what I affectionately call a "snot gram" is often not enough. The negative feedback will get their attention. Whether they say no refunds or not, I don't think they can deny you if the goods are not as advertised. That said, this goes beyond not as advertised into possible infestation. I'm actually quite glad we were having this discussion when that machine arrived. You might not have known otherwise!

Vridar

Me too. Discussing it made me realize how wrong this was of the seller. I'm a relaxed easy-going person and try to avoid conflicts at all costs. There are battles to fight - and this may be one. Anyway, I will follow eBay's recommendation. Thanks for your and other's advice and concerns.