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January 10, 2012

Necchi BU Nova (1952)

Having heard the way early Necchi's are spoken of (in hushed tones as if they were made by elves) I focused on getting one that came up on CL. Indeed it is a tight machine. This one built in the 40's  was essentially (as the story goes) never used; it shows no signs of wear however the paint has subtle crazing over much of the surface.
The straight stitch version in the MoMa Collection



The Nova is a handsome machine more so I think than the Mirelli. It is very quiet and smooth. The stitch length control is ingenious however a little hard to get used to.


The presser foot control knob and especially the thread tension knob feel more like instruments than any other machine I have ever run into; each having fine threads instead of the typical vague adjustments on all other machines.



I love sewing with this thing; if I can find any excuse to use it I do. It chugs along nice and slow when necessary and sounds great.

1940 Cadillac V-16 Sedan
Simply Regal!


50
at

21 comments:

  1. JonathanJanuary 24, 2012 at 8:28 AM

    It is a handsome machine!

    It looks like they streamlined the curves of the original black Singer to make (at that time) a more modern looking machine. I love the black dot of color on the tension knob.

    If I found one of these I would have to buy it.

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  2. TammyMarch 19, 2012 at 9:06 AM

    Hi Tom,
    Necchis that were manufactured in Italy are considered to be the Ferrari of sewing machines. They sew smoothly and quietly. If kept clean and oiled, they will outlive us all. Your black Necchi BU is absolutely gorgeous eye candy. No doubt, it will give you years of sewing pleasure.

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  3. Tom CarboneMarch 19, 2012 at 5:24 PM

    It is a sweetheart, thanks for all the comments Tammy.

    ReplyDelete
  4. T-MOJuly 1, 2013 at 10:13 PM

    May I ask how much you paid for this? Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Tom CarboneJuly 2, 2013 at 5:25 AM

      I don't have a record of what I paid... $40 - $50 I guess.

      Depending on how often you see them listed on CL that's an OK price range. $20 would be better.

      Tom

      Delete
  5. UnknownMarch 14, 2014 at 1:35 PM

    Hi. I am currently shopping for a Necchi to replace my industrial Juki. I just don't need an industrial machine in my living room anymore. Can anyone tell me the differences between a Necchi BU nd a BU Nova?

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    Replies
    1. Tom CarboneMarch 17, 2014 at 5:04 AM

      Nearest I can tell is nothing?
      A nice long internet search and finding the right Necchi expert may help but I don't think you will be sorry with either.

      Delete
  6. UnknownNovember 22, 2014 at 8:16 PM

    I have one in great condition for $100. 8638083945

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  7. AnonymousJuly 31, 2017 at 7:40 PM

    I have one for sale if anyone is interested

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    Replies
    1. KimSeptember 11, 2017 at 1:16 AM

      Hi can you tell me more about your Necchi SB Nova? 7179948553

      Delete
  8. Tim MOctober 10, 2017 at 5:54 AM

    How do I track the serial number U107324

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    Replies
    1. Tom CarboneOctober 10, 2017 at 7:04 AM

      Sorry I've never seen / heard of a list for Necchi

      Delete
  9. oldstarinnApril 26, 2018 at 7:05 PM

    How do you determine the year for your Necchi? I came into one that was on its way to the dump and am trying to determine what model it is. Where many machines are labeled with the model they are (as in BU Nova), mine is labeled “Made in Italy” and the number on the machine (U111828) isn’t showing up online. Any help would be appreciated.

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    Replies
    1. Tom CarboneApril 27, 2018 at 5:10 AM

      Singer is the only one with a long history of accurate S/Ns
      There is some Necchi history on the net so you can target a period and the the model that way.
      If the original motor is on it they often have a date stamped into the tag

      Delete
    2. JanisApril 29, 2018 at 5:00 PM

      I took mine to the local Viking center for service and they were very familiar with it. Maybe a starting point....

      Delete
  10. JanisApril 29, 2018 at 4:57 PM

    I have my mom’s Necchi BU Nova, still in its beautiful mahogany 8-drawer cabinet. She bought it in 1954 and put it through the paces making and altering the family’s clothes through the 70’s. I learned to sew on it. Ive had it serviced and it still runs like the champ workhorse it is; cant part with it. Just moved the household...oh my, it weighs a ton—solid steel!

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    Replies
    1. MomJune 10, 2020 at 9:39 PM

      By chance, do you still have this machine? I learned to sew on a 50’s version that my mother had in a neat desk with knee control. My sister got the machine and sold the desk cabinet. If you ever decide to sell, please email me!

      Delete
    2. UnknownJuly 9, 2021 at 6:29 PM

      https://www.shopgoodwill.com/Item/125505840

      Delete
  11. WHOJuly 27, 2019 at 9:47 PM

    Nice machine Tom im trying to find a way to fit a motor to my Necchi BU,i bought it with its cabinet.

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    ReplyDelete
  13. UnknownFebruary 28, 2020 at 1:21 PM

    J'ai déja posséder une NECCHI 1952...J'aimerais en avoir une autre...Elles sont d'une grande valeur a mes yeux pour tout ce qu'on exige de leur travail...MERVEILLEUSES MACHINES !!!

    ReplyDelete