Thank you everyone for the wonderful welcome!
Steve H., your Florence is very beautiful! I am amazed that almost each year they made tiny design changes to the machine, but yet they all look similar at first glance. I am considering compiling a list of the variations I can find by year (I am geeky that way). I presume yours sews right to left and has reverse as well.
Thank you for the photo of the W&W hand crank! I am intrigued by the set up and thinking how I can make a box with a wheel and short belt for the Florence in a similar fashion. Please let me know if you happen to hear of anyone with a Florence shuttle (in any condition-I'll try to make it work) as I know very few people that have these machines and don't know anyone else to ask.
Sew very excited!!
Suzanne