i have an old necchi, made in japan, that i bought new in ‘81. i can't get to it to get the model number right now, but the pic you have of the upper area looks just like mine. the white grease is original to the machine. mine tho, after 30 years continuous heavy use, isn't as pretty a white anymore. mine has locked up on me once over the years --long hours trying to finish up a quilt for customer & neglected the oiling. my machine needs frequent oil & cleaning rest stops according to repairmen in the various places i have lived. i loved the machine, dependable for everything. the few stitches worked well. sewed levies, upholstry & drapery material w ease. but the motor dying now and races when it gets too warm while sewing. i wpuld buy another of this model if i came across one.