New (to me) sewing machine!

Ooohhh... Look at my Valentines Day Present! Isn't it pretty? I got this today at an auction sale, along with some other goodies (a lamp and a table). I've been trying to research this well-loved sewing machine all afternoon.

This sewing machine has no obvious identifying marks. I can see where there once was a name plate of some soft, but it has long fallen off... There is a number, "131693" stamped into a metal piece on the front of the machine. I can tell this sewing machine got a lot of use, as the gold detail is worn off where fabric would have passed over it, over & over again. An inlaid mother-of-pearl flower has also "Disappeared."

It seems to be in working order, and came with one wound bobbin, in the shuttle already in the machine. I haven't threaded it yet, but have oiled it up and all of the parts move as they should.

The case it came in is beautiful on it's own - inlaid along the top, and with a beautiful silver handle.

I've scoured the bottom of the machine, underneath the machine, inside the case, everywhere - to see who made this machine so I could try to date it, but nothing! I am told it is a German make, and it does resemble the Frister and Rossmann or Herman Kohler machines. I think it looks to be anywhere from 1880 to 1910. What do you think?

I just love old sewing machines... I can't help but daydream about the woman who had used it before me... what she might have sewed, and for who... what her life was like. I am so excited to get this machine threaded up, and bring it back to life again!

We also picked up this rather unusual lamp... It's only about 5' high and has a long tassel pull on it. I think we are going to paint it white. It has made it's home (for now) next to a lovely old wing-back we got from Dan's Grandma, which she had upholstered in beautiful grey cut velvet damask.