The gears and drive train are in marvelous condition. The camera was always kept lubricated and adjusted and is in fine running condition. The gears are smooth and have a real fine original luster. The Moy & Bastie Patent uses the "Drunken Screw" mechanism. Interestingly this is the same principle used to drive many types of Industrial Age machinery, including the sewing machine and the Steam Locomotive. I often wonder what finish Moy & Bastie technicians used on the polished brass gears. Moy & Bastie cameras have the first example of ball bearings that I've seen in camera driving mechanisms. This camera has two sets of ball bearings in it.