I think it is an older machine because of the tension itself, I don't know a thing about what Cari said.lol The way I understand it the cases smell so badly is because back then they used animal glue to put them together so when they got a bit dampish they would really stink. I have seen different things and ideas on how to get it out, I think on here, you may want to do a search and see what you find. I know putting it out in the sun sometimes helps and also fabreeze will sometimes help.