Here is a link to a picture that shows that the white knob with letters does go in that hole in the front of the machine.
http://adivamoment.files.wordpress.c...8/dscn6248.jpg

Looks like you got your answers so that is good. I love the machine and would love to find one some day. My dh is half Italian so I think he would agree to this coming into our home .... although I sure do not know where I would put it. Still, if I found one that looked this good and clean ......

Looks very clean and a pretty machine! Lucky you! I think you found a nice one.

Pretty in pink!