Hi,
during my search for an Orion bass I also found a '90s Elan. Its price is interesting but the bass is missing the brass trussrod plate. I remember that the serial number is engraved on that plate so I would like to know if it is possible to request an original replacement.
 
 
 
P.S.
The serial is also stamped (or written?) inside the circuit board so it is possible dating the bass.

There is some old thread regarding that issue but may be better look for Mica at Alembic...

Thank you, I will contact them!

For future reference if anyone stumbles across this thread the number on the inside of the circuit board is not the serial number; it's the build number.  Build number can also be found under the pickup(s).

What do you know, earliest Epics have the serial number stamped in the cavity. And on instruments with the serial stamped into the end of the fingerboard it is a good idea to write it in the cavity with a sharpie because sometimes the stamped number will become hard to read.
 
You may also find that there's Something interesting under the pickups ...

Yeah mine has got 'Made in the USA' underneath the neck PU too..nice touch