a_bluescat

I have a Singer Improved Manufacturing machine dated 1891 on a treadle base. In my search to locate restoration parts I found parts for what I believe is a knee brace but I am not sure if it would have been original to this machine. First the pivot trunnions appear to be shorter in height than ones I have seen in photographs. This shorter height required a rectangular hole cut in the drip pan as shown in the attached photograph. The second photo shows how it looks installed. Any thoughts? I have a duplicate drip pan without the hole.