Thanks, everyone, for the support and congrats!
Austin, the thingies on top are four pads to go under the feet. I dunno if they are an original part of the machine, but the seller thought they might be, and they fit the little feet exactly, so they were included.
As for further details on the condition as known at this time: The timer doesn't advance, so that's one item needing fixing. The tranny and motor run for both pulsate and spin, there's no binding or indication of bearing trouble, but a burning odor develops and white smoke (possibly oil residue burning) comes out of the bottom after running for just a couple minutes. With Robert's assistance by telephone, we diagnosed that the motor apparently isn't dropping out of the start winding, causing it to overheat. I can confirm that soon as I get hold of an ammeter. So that's another item needing fixing. Circulator ring, drain and water hoses, general clean-up. There's also the problem of where exactly is it going to reside. Tank-like though it may be, I hate to see it live in my garage, but that may be the only choice.
From where did it come? From Missamerica! She found our web site, contacted Robert about needing a home for the machine. It had belonged to her grandparents and hadn't been used in about 20 years, waiting patiently in their house for the right moment! Being in Texas - specifically, Smithville, which isn't too from me - Robert brought it to my attention. I contacted her, made the arrangements . . and, well, you know what happened next.
I want to give up big and proper thanks to Missamerica and her husband and family for not sending the machine to the dreaded Krusher, and to Robert for giving me opportunity to GO AND GET IT!
G.Z.