Hi magic1 and paul_c,

Yes they most certainly did have a guard covering the chain as I'd hate to get hit by one if it broke, chain that is. If I recall correctly the earlier machines had SC on the ID plate while the later ones had 17 in the same place which stands for model 17.

I can't understand why your ID plate has had such a hiding. As far as any identification is concerned I feel that it may have originally been fitted with a Villiers 412 Engine being that it's an 8 blade reel and 20 inch machine and also has the extra mounting on the chassis. I have a 20 inch unit here that originally had a BSA 2 stroke on it and used a different engine mounting arrangement altogether.

Cheers,
BB

I live a 24 Hour lifestyle, but every now and again I seem to fall asleep, well at least that's what my wife tells me.