I have both, but they are young. No Nero fruit yet, and only a couple Hunt's this year. The Hunt looks/tastes promising, though first years fruit is often not a reliable indicator.

It's a self-seeding annual, and should be grown in the full sun. It prefers a moist soil, and will probably get to about 2-3 feet tall. It blooms in the summer with pretty blue flowers. Keep it dead-headed if you don't want it all over your garden next year. The botanical name is Nicandra physalodes, which will make it much easier for you to look up plenty of information.

My best guess is that the set is from the 30's, American made in a French style. No clue about the value, since that depends on your area.

Hi, Lady M - Did you decide to buy this machine? If so, are you happy with it? That's a Babylock model, isn't it? I don't know anything about them, but that seemed like a high price for a used machine.