This machine may be a German Lion, but I wonder how rare it really is? It looks like a Japanese Clone model 15 from the late 40's/50's?
Candace I am not up on the swastika, but I know the Nazi's used that design. According to the dictionary, the Nazi's used that design with the arms bent clockwise.
The swastika was also an ancient design and mystic symbol in the form of a cross with four equal arms, each bent to the right angle.
http://sacramento.craigslist.org/atq/2728944283.html
I know nothing about the swastika, but the design on the bed of the machine looks like lions? Is that the swastika? I don't really see any arms?
Nancy