Hello all...
 

I recently bought a No 5 Free sewing machine at an auction. It is one that has the 6 drawers, a no 897 manual, attachment box, and a few thread spools and bobbins. Unfortunately, it is in pretty rough shape but I am going to clean it up and leave it at that. What I would like to know though, how does the locking mechanism work? The machine itself will not stay upright. Are there pieces missing? I don't know how it stayed up during the auction and it was closed at pickup. I haven't been able to find anything related to this.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]606353[/ATTACH]Working from memory here, but check for a push button in the middle of the base very near the wood as you sit in front of the machine. If there is a button, push towards the floor and it should release the machine.. in your case, I'd lube the underside of the button and work it and see if the latch comes up..Again., I don't have it in front of me.

ahh thanks Janey. I was thinking it was a push button. Some do indeed have screws there instead.

Janey's link http://needlebar.org/cm/displayimage..._display_media Pic27/114 as labeled at the top of the pic has a Bruce out of the case showing a push button release with the under bits peeking out.

The right Free shows the button near the left side of the pillar.

https://www.quiltingboard.com/member...951-589905.jpg