The photos don't really do justice to just how many buttons this is.... tons.. They're all old, no new plastic junk here (just old plastic junk, HA!)
I think I've found the Holy Grail of vintage sewing machines:
The Bernina 117
No I don't own it yet but I'm on the lookout. This machine was produced from 1938 to 1941 which is a rather short run. It was the first zigzag sewing machine Bernina ever produced. Often they don't come with a motor and are meant to be mounted industrial style or treadled (see the big holes in the bed for the belt on the right). Will it sew any better than a 1960's Kenmore? No... But it's so cool looking and rare!
Pfaff 138 |
See the tension disks? See any similarities between that and the Pfaff 138?
Now you've seen this photo already but notice the shape of the Necchi BU Mira, gosh that's familiar isn't it??? Mind you both the Pfaff 138 and the Mira came well after the Bernina 117. Very interesting to me how the design carried over into other manufacturers.
What, you say you'd like to get your hands on a 117? Check out ebay right now, you can pick up a beautiful example for a cool 2k (that's $2,000!) I'll be waiting for the sister thrift special of $19.95....
"just old plastic junk" - I totally get it!
Wonderful to see you updating again!
Kelly Hogaboom
August 12, 2010 at 11:31 PMHey Brian! Great to see you are back. I was worried! Funny how you can worry about someone on the other side of the world who you only know because you 'bumped' into their blog! I love you 'clue' and you'd have to be mad not to love a man that sew (and sews so well). Great to have you back.
Summer Flies
August 13, 2010 at 7:35 AMOh my son (who is 6) loved the Secret Life of the Sewing Machine!
Summer Flies
August 13, 2010 at 7:47 AMHave you seen this one on ebay? It's a little less money....
http://cgi.ebay.com/Bernina-117-K-sewing-machine-leather-canvas-L-K-/390226495299?
Mary E
August 24, 2010 at 8:12 AMI have that Bernina! I stumbled across this blog via pinterest and was excited to read more about it. Mine is in the original cabinet and pretty good shape, we brought it back from Switzerland with us when we moved to CA. I still have the original accessories and manual in German. I had no idea it was such a rare production!
Mandi Goldie
February 27, 2013 at 7:23 PMI have one it's a treadle and the book is in German. Love her!
Auntie Pami
December 12, 2013 at 9:29 PMI have an original Bernina for sale
Buttercupmccubbin
April 23, 2016 at 11:56 PM