Neat, congratulations. I was wondering if it was a "curved needle" "Wheeler & Wilson"
According to
https://fiddlebase.jimdo.com/america...heeler-wilson/ they changed serial numbers a new set of serial numbers was started in 1876. It also says that the #1 was manufactured from 1852 to 1900.
If memory serves "Woodland Quilts" has a manual for the "Curved Needle" "Wheeler & Wilson"
Janey - Neat people never make the exciting discoveries I do.