Gebrüder Kayser Sewing machine - Cast iron

Antique hand-crank sewing machine by Kayser (Kaiserslautern, Germany), early 20th century. Cast-iron serpentine body in black japanning with hand-painted/gilt floral and figural decoration, nickel-plated spoked balance wheel with wooden crank handle, mounted on its original varnished wooden base. Includes thread spool and a scrap of test fabric under the presser foot as shown. Cosmetic wear, tarnishing and paint loss consistent with age (see photos); mechanical function [tested/untested — please state which]. A charming display piece and a solid example of 19th-century sewing machine craftsmanship.