Any info on this "Compac" Elna Grasshopper clone?
03-17-2015, 07:46 PM
#1
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Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Oakland, CA
Posts: 27
Any info on this "Compac" Elna Grasshopper clone?
I saw this ShopGoodwill posting and my immediate reaction was "wow, there is a Japanese copy of the Elna Grasshopper..." But the machine is clearly labeled "Made In USA"
I had heard that there were copies made of the Grasshopper/Elna No. 1 but have never seen one. Does anyone have any experience with these machines? It looks a bit crude, but pretty neat.
http://www.shopgoodwill.com/viewItem...temID=20479723
Brian
I had heard that there were copies made of the Grasshopper/Elna No. 1 but have never seen one. Does anyone have any experience with these machines? It looks a bit crude, but pretty neat.
http://www.shopgoodwill.com/viewItem...temID=20479723
Brian
03-17-2015, 08:39 PM
#2
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Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 181
It was made by the Portman Sewing Machine Company:
http://needlebar.org/cm/displayimage.php?pid=6271
https://www.flickr.com/photos/sew_mach_tech/8168652446/
I don't have any experience with one. There was one that was for sale a year or two ago around Sacramento and I was tempted, but passed it by. I think someone here at QB has one...CD in OK maybe?
http://needlebar.org/cm/displayimage.php?pid=6271
https://www.flickr.com/photos/sew_mach_tech/8168652446/
I don't have any experience with one. There was one that was for sale a year or two ago around Sacramento and I was tempted, but passed it by. I think someone here at QB has one...CD in OK maybe?
03-17-2015, 08:55 PM
#3
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Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Oakland, CA
Posts: 27
Thanks, NapaJohn - I've never previously heard of the Portman SM Company. It's such an obvious copy that I presume they made them with permission from Elna. Does anyone know if Elna licensed their designs to other manufacturers?
The Needlebar writeup states the machines were $179.50 in 1949 - that would be around $1,800 in todays dollars.
The Needlebar writeup states the machines were $179.50 in 1949 - that would be around $1,800 in todays dollars.
03-18-2015, 05:55 AM
#5
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Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Mendocino County CA
Posts: 1,976
I admit to having one..ok two 
but I haven't done a thing with them yet. They are in the hoard. One I got in a bulk deal and the case is shot. The other I picked up at an estate sale for 5.00. They are small and look very much like the Elna 'Hopper. One of mine says "Compaq" and the other is labelled a "Portman".
but I haven't done a thing with them yet. They are in the hoard. One I got in a bulk deal and the case is shot. The other I picked up at an estate sale for 5.00. They are small and look very much like the Elna 'Hopper. One of mine says "Compaq" and the other is labelled a "Portman".
03-18-2015, 12:48 PM
#6
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Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: NW MO
Posts: 591
I admit to having one with the MW brand. I also haven't done anything with it. It's next on my list to rehab. I bought it thinking it was an inexpensive "Hopper."
Last edited by Vridar; 03-18-2015 at 12:50 PM.
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