That is a very interesting problem given only that information. The last “K” model Lightwin (AKA Ruddertwin) built in 1929 was serial number 59,999 – so If it has a large rudder it would be ‘a 1930 model. – HOWEVER after combining with Evinrude, the “Super Eltos” got a cthcee digit model number. Do to changes while moving three companies into one factory, much information was misplaced or lost. This was further complicated by radical changes brought on by the second World War. many people went into the armed surfaces (and too many never came back). meanwhile some of the factory was building Storm Boat Moters while the rest built aluminum parts for bomb sites, (B-17 & B-24) Radar devices (P-61 Blackwiddow night fighter and some Spitfire parts for the United Kingdom. These new jobs required a LOT of paperwork Some outboard records were tossed to make room for these new files. It has been said an army travels on it’s stomach. I believe the supplies travel on the paperwork. The testing and certification needed for an item ofter exceeds the cost of production many times. After the war it became the new hires task to pick up the pieces. Our first Historian, Jim Webb, spent the last year of his 36 with Elte/Evinrude/OMC in trying to fill in the gaps in the records. Some was just not their to be found. SO – the next number I pick up is Super Elto Service Speedster model 301 starting with Serial number 80,000 –
Jim also wrote “The Pectoral History of Outboard Motors” – An excelant reference – no longer in print . . .
