Parted up machines are usually the source of replacements for old machines like this. If you know someone who has access to a CNC machine and maybe are willing to polish the steel, it opens up the option of having parts made. Some manage well with less fancy machinery too. The only thing preventing us from going to a metal work shop is the price.

They did do a lot of brands. I think mine is a 1964-67 unbranded deluxe zigzag from Sanshin Japan. It must be an uncommon year/model, judging by the difficulties finding a picture under any brand or any info. And why does this model have 2 top spoolholders?

I know it’s a Japanese knock off but it’s a handsome machine, it stitches nice, and I get along with it. I’m now hopeful that a few of my friends here at home will be able to help me get a takeup lever after I posted a rant about it, which would be so great, but I wont know until the end of the week. I got some links for vintage machine info to check out but It’s very hard to find parts or info when you have no year, brand or model number to use to look for them.

I think this machine was earlier than that. Maybe mid to late 50s. Does it have JA38 under it somewhere?

Cari

No it only says SANSHIN 3 on the underside. Don't know what the 3 means. No numbers or anything anywhere else I can see.