kwendt

Hi all... I've been 'absent' for a while... but yesterday, I happened to stop by a thrift store and pick up a (I think) 15-30 in a plain jane, 5 drawer cabinet #2. Other than lifting wood on the fold out top, it's in great condition. Drawer springs intact, center drawer perfect, treadle head almost mint 'Gingerbread' decals. (See picture of machine). Came with attachments (low shank/side clamp) but no book.

Here's my question. The serial number is hard to read, I think it's G394507. But after looking at it in strong light, I think there's a "1" stamped on the far right side of the brass plate, almost off the plate itself. If so, then it's a model 15, allotted 2/15/1915. There are a lot of sub models, but given that the bobbin winder is high, the tension is not numbered and there's no bobbin winder guide on the right side bed - I think it's a 15-30.

Question #1: That cabinet #2 (sorry no picture yet) according to ISMACS, was used for 15-30s, 66-1s, 127s and 115s. I hadn't heard of 115's.... so I looked. It looks awful similar to a 15-30. A google search doesn't show me much. What's the difference?

Question #2: Is it possible to replace that old, bunch o wires tension, with a say... 15-91 tension set up in it's place?

Question #3: The face plate on this machine is totally dull silver blank... no scroll, no striations, it's flat-plain. Never seen this before.... what is it? It's in a treadle cabinet, not portable case... so I don't think it's a Navy/Army machine. See picture...

Note: the pictures are pre clean up. Thanks for any tips/advice/knowledge... kim