Well, I visited my local old sewing machine guy today. He had a few things of interest... Sorry, I did not have time to get serial numbers. I will get pics next week when I go to retrieve one...
something his wife has been researching is a machine labeled "Haid & Neu", a treadle in a parlor cabinet (cabinet model Essen) The book was written in German, I think.
Another was a Singer - on the medallion was "Seidel & Naumann Dresser, Verbesserte Singer Hanmaschine" (my apologies if I spelled it wrong.) It is a hand crank from 1878, and not sure the country of origin.
The third was an Eldridge Special treadle in a parlor cabinet. (pre 1900)
I know a little about these, but will be doing more research before I get back there. If any of you have info, I'd appreciate knowing. Then I can decide if I should invest.
(These all came from two collectors who consign machines there.)