Meet Daisy Prudence
08-08-2012, 07:05 AM
#1
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Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Sierra Vista, AZ
Posts: 3,992
Meet Daisy Prudence
I have been looking for an Elna Supermatic for some time. I was given one by my first husband's grandmother in 1965 when she bought a New Home with all the bells and whistles. I traded that machine in on an Elna SU Air Electronic sometime in the 1980s.
This sewing machine came with 15 of the decorative disks but is missing the attachment accessories box that slides under the free arm. Once I removed the bent needle and oiled her well, she purrs like a contented cat. The case shows some wear after all of these years but it sure protected the sewing machine.
I have name the sewing machine Daisy Prudence after my ex husband's grandmother who gave me the original Elna Supermatic. Daisy Prudence, nee Hildreth, was born in 1894 at Belle Plains, Texas and died in 1979 in San Diego. As a small child Daisy remember traveling from Texas to San Diego by horse drawn wagon and she lived to see the space age. Remarkable!
While doing some Internet research I learned that the Supermatic uses the same decorative disks as the Elna SU Air Electronic. The only difference between the disks is that the Supermatic disks do not show the disk numbers in white and the stitch designs are in white.
I could not find a serial number on the Supermatic and the best I could determine is that she was made sometime between 1956-1958.
This sewing machine came with 15 of the decorative disks but is missing the attachment accessories box that slides under the free arm. Once I removed the bent needle and oiled her well, she purrs like a contented cat. The case shows some wear after all of these years but it sure protected the sewing machine.
I have name the sewing machine Daisy Prudence after my ex husband's grandmother who gave me the original Elna Supermatic. Daisy Prudence, nee Hildreth, was born in 1894 at Belle Plains, Texas and died in 1979 in San Diego. As a small child Daisy remember traveling from Texas to San Diego by horse drawn wagon and she lived to see the space age. Remarkable!
While doing some Internet research I learned that the Supermatic uses the same decorative disks as the Elna SU Air Electronic. The only difference between the disks is that the Supermatic disks do not show the disk numbers in white and the stitch designs are in white.
I could not find a serial number on the Supermatic and the best I could determine is that she was made sometime between 1956-1958.
08-08-2012, 11:06 AM
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: North TX
Posts: 764
The SN on mine is in the inside of the needle/presser bar area when you swing open the door. I can't remember if it's on the door itself or on the inside. I don't know if they changed locations on these or not.
I found this info somewhere (can't remember where!) about dating Elna Supermatics:
Looks to be a nice machine! Hope you enjoy her. 
I found this info somewhere (can't remember where!) about dating Elna Supermatics:
It is common belief that to date early Elna machines the first digit in the serial number is the year of manufacture. However, this does not apply to the Elna 1 and I do not have enough data to make any meaningful comment on dating this machine. In dating the Elna Supermatic and later models it is only true up until 1959. From 1960 – 1963 the serial number began with a number 1 the second digit gave the manufacturing date. For example a serial number starting with a 12 is 1962. From late 1963 a letter was introduced at the start of the serial number as follows:
A - 1963 L - 1971 X - 1980 G - 1989
B - 1964 M - 1972 Y - 1981 H - 1990
C - 1965 N - 1973 Z - 1982 K - 1991
D - 1965/1966 P - 1974 A - 1983* L - 1992
E - 1066 R - 1975 B - 1984 M - 1993
F - 1967 S - 1976 C - 1985 N - 1994
G - 1968 T - 1977 D - 1986 P - 1995
H - 1969/1970 U - 1978 E - 1987
K - 1970/1971 V - 1979 F - 1988
From 1983* the system started again from A
A - 1963 L - 1971 X - 1980 G - 1989
B - 1964 M - 1972 Y - 1981 H - 1990
C - 1965 N - 1973 Z - 1982 K - 1991
D - 1965/1966 P - 1974 A - 1983* L - 1992
E - 1066 R - 1975 B - 1984 M - 1993
F - 1967 S - 1976 C - 1985 N - 1994
G - 1968 T - 1977 D - 1986 P - 1995
H - 1969/1970 U - 1978 E - 1987
K - 1970/1971 V - 1979 F - 1988
From 1983* the system started again from A
08-08-2012, 11:10 AM
#4
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Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: North TX
Posts: 764
Okay, just read a little more about where to find the SNs on Elnas:
Probably more info than you need, but maybe it will help out someone else too!
The serial numbers on the early Elnas, pre Star Series, were found stamped on the inside of the casting to the right of the thread take up slot. This is easily seen when the hinged face plate is opened; to open fully it is necessary to lower the presser bar lever. From the Star series on, the serial number was stamped on the specification plate below the hand wheel. If this has been removed the number was also stamped on the casting underneath the switch plate (socket). The Lotus series again had the serial number on the specification plate; it was also stamped on the casting on the base and can be viewed through a slot in the base cover plate.
© Les Godfrey 2008
© Les Godfrey 2008
08-09-2012, 07:18 PM
#9
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Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: League City, Texas, USA
Posts: 625
All of you sound very experienced with Elna. I need help. I have a chance to buy a 2001 Elna 634 Serger that is in really good shape. Original box, manuals, accessories, and extra thread. I have seen the original invoice and it said sale price $699. Would anyone know how much this is worth, or suggestions on what I should offer. This is my first serger, so don't know much about them.
08-09-2012, 07:25 PM
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 508
I don't own any Elna machines. My friend had won this same machine off Goodwill when their site went crazy and they now refuse to honor the auction. She is still looking for one. I'm wondering what is the draw to this particular machine?
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