As usual with your machine finds, WOW!

ok, this aught to be fun... This machine seems like it was hardly ever used.

When I began the cleaning process last night i was struck by how quickly the grime just came off and the smoothness of the material underneath.

I have not worked up the courage (or I have not managed to override my sense of caution...) to remove the auxiliary bed plate to see what hidden artwork is there. I have been told that these were usually installed to secure a broken bed, so I do not want to risk opening any existing damage (yet)

Here is the H. Seeling of Paris base unit. This was an add on most likely purchased separately from the machine.
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here is the log/design inside
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And the underside
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Here is the fun part.... The machine itself after cleaning
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turned out that i got two photos that really illustrate how a flash can expose hidden detals

no flash
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Flash
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I am in awe of machines made during the Civil War period; my favorite time in history. It is amazing that the decals are in such good condition. Congratulations Steve! Forgive me if it has been state here and I missed it; this is a chain stitch machine, correct? Do you think you will be able to get it to sew? If not, oh well, it is still a beautiful machine.

Wow - I have never seen a sewing machine like that. It's beautiful. What a treasure.

Yep, it is a chainstitcher.

Once I have the Handle fixed, it will be a simple matter of finding the right needle to get her going.

ALL of the machines in my collection sew. It's a requirement

That's great!

Neat machine Steve!
Rodney

What a beautiful, elegant piece of history. She has had some rough usage but is still here to tell her tale. I know she will sew and be spectacular when you are finished with her.