Crafts Equipment Appraisal

Brother Manual Knitting Machine (Possibly KnitKing/Brother KH-710 or Similar)

This item appears to be an older model manual knitting machine, resembling those manufactured by Brother during the mid to late 20th century. It is housed within a cream or off-white hard plastic or bakelite case that opens to reveal the knitting bed. The main knitting bed consists of a long, metallic needle plate with a visible array of individual needles, typical for flat-bed knitting. To the right of the needle bed, there is a prominent carriage unit, also in a cream color, with a red or maroon accent band and a circular dial with markings, likely for tension or stitch size adjustment. Another mechanism, possibly a yarn feeder or pattern unit, is visible on the left side of the needle bed. The overall color is a faded cream or off-white, suggesting age or prolonged exposure to light/elements. The machine shows significant signs of wear, particularly on its exterior casing, which is heavily discolored with what appears to be dirt, grime, and possibly mildew or mold, indicating poor storage or neglect. The plastic or bakelite material of the case appears sturdy but is heavily stained. Inside, the metal components of the needle bed show some wear and possibly minor rust or corrosion, though the needles themselves appear to be largely intact from the visible angle. The plastic elements within the machine also exhibit some discoloration and surface grime. There are no clear manufacturer's marks or model numbers visible in the provided images, but the design is characteristic of vintage Brother/KnitKing knitting machines, potentially a model like the KH-710 or a similar variant from the 1960s-1970s. The craftsmanship appears to be industrial-level, designed for durability and functionality. The overall condition suggests that the machine would require significant cleaning, maintenance, and possibly repair before it could be used.