Berkel Europe Model 12 black
Manufactured between 1946 and 1958 in Italy by “The Auto Scale & Slicing Machine”—the company responsible for importing and producing Berkel slicers in the region—the Berkel Model 12 Black is a stunning example of mid-century industrial design.
Vintage Black Berkel Model 12: Elegant Post-War Italian Flywheel Slicer (1946–1958)
Manufactured between 1946 and 1958 in Italy by "The Auto Scale & Slicing Machine"—the company responsible for importing and producing Berkel slicers in the region—the Berkel Model 12 Black is a stunning example of mid-century industrial design.
Engineered as a heavy-duty variant of the Berkel Model 10, it features a massive 370 mm blade and inherits key mechanical and aesthetic traits from the legendary Berkel Model 7. While originally offered in red, metallic gray, and black, the deep black finish delivers a sleek, sophisticated aesthetic that beautifully contrasts against its polished chrome components.
Key Features & Technical Innovations
-
Closed Flywheel & Historic Imprint: Operated manually via a 380 mm outer diameter closed flywheel featuring the original decal “The Auto Scale & Slicing Machine” applied on its inner face.
-
Precision Slice Adjustment: Equipped with a 15-position slice thickness regulator featuring a snap-clock system and a protective metal guard over the dual-lead worm screw.
-
Open Articulated Clamping Arm: Incorporates an Italian open-style articulated clamp and a durable stainless steel tray to secure cold cuts efficiently across a 310 mm carriage travel.
-
Automatic Blade Safety: Features an automatic knife guard assembly mounted directly on the shoulder to ensure safe daily operation.
-
Chrome Finish: High-contact metal parts are finished in brilliant, original-spec chrome plating.
Technical Specifications & Dimensions: Berkel Model 12 Black
Whether displayed on a commercial workbench or elevated on an original cast-iron pedestal, here are the official specifications for the Model 12:
| Feature | Specification / Measurement |
| Blade Diameter | 370 mm |
| Flywheel Diameter | 380 mm (Closed design) |
| Carriage Travel | 310 mm |
| Slice Thickness Control | 15 Positions (Snap-clock mechanism) |
| Base Footprint (Feet) | 250 mm (Front) × 320 mm (Rear) × 460 mm (Length) |
| Total Machine Size | 660 mm (Height) × 750 mm (Length) × 640 mm (Width) |
| Net Weight | 100 kg |
| Pedestal Option | Original restored Berkel cast-iron pedestal available upon request |
Museum-Grade Restoration by The World's Best Slicers
Originally serving high-end European delicatessens and butcher shops, every Berkel Model 12 restored by The World's Best Slicers follows strict preservation principles:
-
Authentic Copal Decals: We strictly apply period-authentic decals matching original historical artwork, avoiding cheap modern prints, stickers, or airbrushed imitations.
-
Color Integrity: Paintwork is stripped and prepped before applying modern, eco-friendly coatings custom-formulated to match the historical deep black tone.
-
Authentic Pedestal Integration: Offered complete with its optional original restored pedestal for optimal 360-degree display, easier cleaning, and maximum value for collectors.



















