What kind of machine is this one?
 

My quilting buddy was recently gifted with her husband's grandmother's sewing machine. It has been in the basement for many years and smells musty. What can she do about the smell and can anyone tell her about this machine? She has the owners manual but it does not have a lot of information. She would like to know how old it is, etc. It came in a cabinet that she has been cleaning and exploring the things in the drawers. It is in like new condition and she is thrilled to have it.

The picture does not seem to be very high resolution, I can't really see any detail. But that won't stop me from guessing manufactured in Japan late 60s or early 70s (I'm basing this on the tension dial compared to a White I have from 1973). Should use Class 15 needles/bobbins and it looks to be a straight, low shank as far as attachments, but again the picture is a little fuzzy.

If it was mine I would wipe down the body with a degreaser I keep on my work bench, which might help with the musty smell. It probably hasn't been thoroughly oiled in a while so they should remove the top and start oiling any place where metal moves against metal, and on the underside as well.

What does the label say?
bkay

The label says Montgomery Ward.

It is quite probably made by the Japanese Happy company in the 1970s. It probably has a JA10, JA12 or JA35 somewhere on the base of the machine. At https://sewingiscool.com/how-old-is-...models-review/ someone said, "uhtj 1273 machine. I purchased from a dealer in 1979 for her Birthday !" However, it didn't say whether it was new or used.

Janey - Neat people never make the exciting discoveries I do.
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