I found pictures of several models of Friend knitting machines but I could not determine their model numbers. Thus, I included all of those (currently four) machines into one page.

My research did not show so far any information at all!! I am looking for somebody to translate (from Japanese) one manual I found online to learn a bit more than nothing about these beauties, manufactured in the early to mid-1950s.

FRIEND knitting machine #1:

Beautiful, truly vintage-look, olive-green colored knitting machine. Judging by the look it is standard-gauge. Typical vintage features are super-sturdy case, (un)foldable bed-extension plates, and a funky-looking carriage with what-looks like a pressure gauge LOL. Another interesting feature that I observe at all other three models below: a top row of needle buds. Not sure why and how but they look very similar to the sinker hooks present in Brother KH210 and Corona knitting machines. So stay tuned for more info!

FRIEND knitting machine #2:

Similar to the Friend machine #1, this model features sturdy needlebed case, (un)foldable end-plates and a second row of needle buds (which are very likely similar to sinker hooks also present in Brother KH210 and Corona knitting machines). This model is also very likely a standard-gauge. Stay tuned for more info.

FRIEND knitting machine #3:

This model has probably the most funky looking carriage together with all other super-vintage features mentioned above.

I was able to (after LOTS of Internet digging) to find a manual for this model and it appears that this machine appeared on the market in 1955. Its model number is Friend F-103.

The machine below is shown without the needlebed extension plates unlike the two above. However, they were probably just removed because the manual shows how to attach them.

FRIEND knitting machine #4:

This model seems like the most vintage (old) out of all the models above. same crazy-looking carriage, second row of needle buds (although those might be just sinker hooks similar to Brother KH210 and Corona machines). Stay tuned for more info.