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Find above, pictures of a "seldom seen" Cut-Away/ Demonstration version of the Elna #1 "Grasshopper".
This particular version is of the 500890 series made in the late '40's.
The serial # is not present in the usual location (under the rear inspection cover) but had been replaced by "D - H",
I assume meaning "demonstration" or "demostración" in the Spanish of its inventor, Ramon Casas.
There appears what may be the serial # stamped on the rear of the motor as seen in one of the pictures.
Most Elna serial #s begin with the 2nd digit of the manufacturing date i.e. a machine made in 1951 would have a serial # beginning with the numeral "1".
This machine's number begins with an "8" which would translate to its being assembled in 1948.
The machine was extremely tight when it arrived and a few of the plastic coverings were missing/ one had been replaced by Scotch tape.
After a lubing of the machine, a kerosining (sp) of the bobbin area specific to Elnas, and a little "working back n forth"...she runs like the "Swiss" watch she is.
In the gun collecting field, the "Cut-Away" versions are considered "one-of-a-kinds" or at the least extremely scarce!
I like to think this "Grasshopper" falls into that group.
Thanks for looking
Pam & J.C. Elliott