I made a similar find a few years ago at an antique store in Vermont. It about the same age as yours and the story given to the store was that it had been a wedding present back in the early 50s but the bride had NEVER used it. It took me over a year to use it for the first time (don't ask me why... i have no idea), but once I did, I never stopped. I LOVE THIS MACHINE. It is the sweetest to sew on. Smooth smooth smooth. Enjoy it!