Can anyone tell me more about this machine, i.e. who made it and when?

There are no ID markings on it except a number 173008 on the base.

I think the tension is via spring action.

The pearl inlay are 3 roses in middle of metal base along with 3 leaves; there is also a scattering of shell pieces all around the edge of the rectangular metal base.

The top of the machine has 2 metal thread holders on the main body and 3 metal tension(?) bars on the top of the head; all are vertical.

There is a maze type gold pattern/trim outlining the metal bodies.

It has 2 holes in the wooden base where one could presumably bolt it onto a fixed spot, plus it also has a rectangular hidden (hollowed out) spot in the base (bottom right under wheel) to hold accessories.

The bent wood cover locks with a key.has a metal (brass?) carrying handle.

Can you provide a picture?

Look Here:
ISMACS - Vintage, antique, and rare Sewing Machines (http://www.ismacs.net/home.html)

Yes, but how?

Can you provide a picture?

Got it! (I think)

Look Here:
ISMACS - Vintage, antique, and rare Sewing Machines (http://www.ismacs.net/home.html)

Thank you, but can't match to any specific one... perhaps German origin... Frister & Rossmann? Late 1800's?

What do you think?

Looks like the Superba D:
http://www.treadleandcrank.com/ebay/super1a.jpg

http://www.treadleandcrank.com/

Yes, thank you! Except w/o name, with an accessory compartment and different cover; this is the first I've seen with the scattered mother of pearl edging...

Or... same page, 2nd line from bottom, right side: early 1900's Anker?

Note: the flat head of mine is black and decorated (doesn't show in picture)

Hi I have a footman preat improv which is basically the same machine. The mother of pearl in the centre basis is the same. Pattern is all the same, doesn't have mother of pearl around edge,
Different style bobbin fixtures, will clean up and add photo tomorrow..
Sharon

Just found this link, seems the machines where possibly manufactured by Anker-Werke A.G. in Bielefeld, Westphalia. The link below is where I found info.

http://possumjimandelizabeth.com/xhtml/collect_sewing_silberberg.html

Sharon