Dating a Vintage Bernina
 

Does anyone know how to find out the year of manufacture for an old Bernina 830 Record? I wish the Bernina website had the info like Singer does!

Yep, I sure do. Go to the Bernina web site, click on "Contact Us" and give them a phone call. Or send them an email.
That's what I did when I dated my wife's 930.

Joe

My 801 Sport came with a repro manual which had a note in it which said to get the year of manufacture, find the serial number and add 60 to the first two digits. So, if the serial number starts with 22, it was made in 1982.

Of course, one can always confirm with a phone call!

That's interesting. I love my old Bernina Record 830. I bought it when it was new and it runs just the same as it did when it was brand new.

Oh yeah. They are amazing machines, aren't they?

I've also read somewhere else about the serial number trick -- just can't remember quite where.

Bernina started using the serial number to indicate manufacture date in the 70s, and the first digit indicates the DECADE (1=70s, 2=80s, 3=90s, 4=00s, 5=10s). The second number indicates the year within the decade. Your 830 Record was probably made in the 70s and has a serial number beginning with 1. My 910 was made in 1983 and the serial number begins with 23. So yes, adding 60 to the first two digits is accurate.

Thank you, everyone, for the responses. I knew I could count on you all!

So, the next question is: Where can I find the serial number? The only number I can find (under the top that flips up) starts with 321...that would make it 1992. However, the 830 was made only during the years 1971-1982, from what I have researched.

Never mind...I found the number just above the power supply on the back...22, so it was made in 1982.
Thanks again, everyone!

That would have been good info to have a year ago when I emailed Bernina and got the date of manufacturer.
I've kept it for my files.

Joe

Joe where did you find the serial number on the 930? I found two different number sets and I'm not sure which one is the serial number.I know somewhere I have the serial number written down, but who knows where at this point. Thanks. Gerbie

I love mine too, bought in 1973 and run so much that I wore the brushes to a nub and had to have them replaced. I will bet I have sewn my way to the moon and back at least once. It still runs as good as ever it did when new. One of the best purchases I ever made. If you get a chance to buy one do it and you will have a machine for life.

Yes, email Bernina. They will respond. I dated my 1530 through that "contact us" link.

This is my first post and I just put a Bernina 830 Record on layaway! I can't wait to get it and find out the year it was made.

Or...you can look into my Mom's manual for her 930 and she has the sales receipt stapled on the cover....lol

I have a 1030 and 1031 and think the receipt's are with the books....now where are those books? Maybe with the case? My machine hasn't seen it's case in decades....