As usual, I begun disassembling the drill and preparing for clean-up, taking off the remnants of the paint, etc.  And what I was seeing put smile on my face...  The drill was a genuine No. 2A of very early vintage, possibly initial release of the No. 2A from 1957.

The Frame

I was looking at the frame that was much different then the average frame of No. 2-1938 edition.  Quality of casting is much better then results achieved on frames for No. 2-1938.  I am not a metallurgist and do not have an expertise to perform analysis of the casting methods used by Millers Falls.  Neither I am not aware of documentation of processes used by Millers Falls.  However, the visual inspection of the frames suggests a change in the casting method and results are significant.

Here are some pictures:

Frame for No. 2A Transitional

The frame surface is very smooth.  The shaft for main gear is a separate part, machined and press-fit into the frame. 

For comparison, here is a frame of No. 2-1938 model.

Frame for No. 2-1938

The 1938 frame has rather coarse surface.  The shaft for main gear is also a separate part, machined and press-fit into the frame.

Frame's back on No. 2-1938 The back side of the frame is much coarser but identical to the frame on the picture to the left.  The main gear shaft on this side has also a socket for a side handle.		Frame's back on No. 2A-1957 Transitional The back side of the frame looks identical to the 1938 edition, but the surface is much smoother.  The main gear shaft on this side has a socket for a side handle.
No. 2-1938 - machined spindle housing.		No. 2A-1957 Transitional - machined spindle housing.
No. 2-1938 - main gear shaft and machined bottom of the spindle housing.		No. 2A-1957 Transitional - main gear shaft and machined bottom of the spindle housing.
No. 2-1938 The back side of the frame with side handle socket.  Coarse surface of the frame.		No. 2A-1957 Transitional The back side of the frame with side handle socket.  Smooth surface of the frame.