Originally Posted by grant15clone

Chris, that is a very unique machine. The upper tension is on the faceplate and the foot plates are square and "D" shaped. Both traits are unusual along with with the spool holders like they are raised up and with the access port in an egg shape. My first guess because of the decoration was that it was a badged machine, but I really don't think it was a mainstream badge manufacturer either. Even the Treadle base is unusual. It arches very high and has no top arch. It bolts directly to the cabinet just above the oval, so no clues there. The one thing that is getting to me is that it looks like it has a Lotus Blossom in the decoration. Very few machines made outside Japan had a Lotus Blossom on them. In fact, I know of none, but this is a very unique machine indeed. Just small details will help. The Bobbin winder is usually the tell all for them. This one looks straight shafted and is a Treadle powered winder and that is not unusual. Also there is no lug on the machine body where a motor or a hand crank would mount. That tells me that it was made before 1903 or so. Singers have that lug on them starting in 1901 and all Singers had them from 1903 and on. Other manufacturers followed suit. When you find out, I for one would like to know where it was made and who made it. I would put a standard needle in it and roll it forward and listen to hear if it is hitting or binding. Then do the same with it threaded to see if it will sew before handing over any money on it. Needles on some odd ball machines are impossible to find. Cool Machine! I like it! Good luck.