Hello, thank you for your help - I did find the release button - this machine really is in nice condition - just pretty dusty. Haven't identified her yet - I saw in the Smithsonian papers that there was a manual for a "Westers Electric" model that was almost a match except the 'nose' on the front ..tension regulator...my machine's does not protrude. I need to upload the pieced together remnants of the manual pages that were found in the cabinet drawers. Where would you suggest I do that on this thread? Do I make a new 'thread'? Do I make a pdf out of the twelve or so pics?