The fact that the numbers were split in this way strongly implies that the makers saw the two elements of the overall number as somehow distinct. A two-digit number generally appears on the LH lug, with a two or three-digit number on the RH. The serial numbers applied to the Mills engines consist of two elements which were consistently stamped in two separate locations.
Apologies to anyone whom we may have missed fro this long list. For their assistance in this regard, we're most grateful to the late Roger Schroeder, the late Ivor F, Tim Dannels, David Owen, Adrian Duncan, Bert Streigler, Nick Brooks, Dave Campling, Paul Rossitter, Peter Scott, Peter Coleman, Stan Pilgrim and even the late Peter Chinn. A large sample of serial numbers was assembled to form the basis for this study. In this context, a recent analysis of Mills Brothers serial numbers has turned up some interesting information which seems to be well worth sharing. This is as true of familiar marques such as Mills as it is of any of the less common products. For anyone interested in model engines, the issues of serial numbers and production figures must always be matters of interest, both from the standpoint of model identification and for the assessment of a given engine's relative rarity.
