Nancy, I couldn't tell you why I wanted this particular machine so much, and I'm still learning about her! The dogs don't drop that I can see. I'm going to spend some more time with her today and see what I can learn! I did figure out last night that the slide plate does NOT slide to the left, but instead slips a BIT to the left so that it can be lifted and slide over the needleplate....contrary to the manual on the ISMACS website. This machine is a 1912 115-1 tho, (serial number shows a commission date of 12/20/11) and that manual is from 1915...might be one of the things they changed in later models? I do know it's a pain to get to the bobbin, and I don't have particularly large hands!
I'm sure that at least part of the reason I wanted this machine/cabinet is because of the cabinet!
Thanks Trish! If you can find one like this girl, get it!! LOL....I'll back you up!