I found this post especially helpful! Just purchased an underfeed Davis made in 1914 in it's original treadle from the second owner's estate. She was 80 and it had been her mother's. I've been looking for another sweet treadle for piecing. The head is great but the pitman is noisy. Working on that a bit later but for now, glad the head sews a great stitch at all length settings (as opposed to those that have the stitch length mechanism worn out) and operation is smooth. I hope the needle sellers are still in business.