Does your machine have a belt on the right side to turn the hand wheel? sounds like the cabinet base was neutered. Maybe it was a treadle and it was converted to have a potted motor. Maybe an electric machine was put in the cabinet and some one took off the treadle plate. With a little effort it could be made into a treadle again if the machine has a belt and you can find a plate for the cabinet. Post some pictures. If it runs well you might just keep it ellectric. Nothing wrong with that. She sounds lovely.