This little machine is very interesting. It is an Austrian copy of an old Singer, Model 12. The case is in very nice condition, and it's prettier than a Singer case. It was made by the Rast & Gasser Nahmaschinenfabrik (Manufacturing Company), in Vienna, Austria, 17th district. It was also a weapons factory that made 8mm revolvers. The gold emblem on the arm says, "Verbesserte - Singer Mashine, R.G. Schutzmarke", meaning "Improved Singer Machine, R. G. Trademark". According to Austrian-Hungarian Law of that time, it was declared an improved copy of the world famous Singers. There is a very fancy "R" written over a fancy "G" in the center of the gold emblem.
The machine itself has mother-of-pearl insets, with 3 stars of David in the center of the base. As you can see, some of the gold decals have worn off, but there are still some to give you an idea of what it looked like. Notice the little needle pillow affixed to the front of the machine. It swings out to allow you to remove a screw, and then lift the machine to oil the
underneath parts. I am still trying to find out the date of manufacture of this machine.
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