A couple of good links
http://needlebar.org/main/survresults/fristerrossmann/index.html
http://www.sewalot.com/frister_rossmann.htm
Jae,
I have 2 Frister & Rossmann handranks. I love them. They are so smooth. I take one to my historical treadle demonstrations. They are German machines and the manufacturer is Frister & Rossmann of Berlin Germany. The crank does appear to be geared.
Enjoy!