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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!


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21 comments:

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

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

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    1. 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

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  5. 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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    1. 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.

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  6. I have one in great condition for $100. 8638083945

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  7. I have one for sale if anyone is interested

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

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  8. How do I track the serial number U107324

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

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  9. 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. 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

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

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  10. 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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    1. 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!

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

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  11. 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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  13. 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 !!!

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