because a recovery system can"t be created
I'd guess that a 2011 system would include a recovery manager. If not there, it should be able to download a system off the internet via the firmware.
Let's find out the system specs.
Query by serial number
Apple's warrenty database will identify the type of Mac you have. Your serial number is securely sent. Provides more information for newer machines.
https://selfsolve.apple.com/agreementWarrantyDynamic.do
This site provides more information. Best for older machines. Note, serial number is sent in the clear.
"A serial number is a unique, identifying number or group of numbers and letters assigned to an individual piece of hardware or software. It's used for various things depending on the product / brand but what is your Mac's serial number for and more importantly... what is it hiding and what can it do for you ?"
http://www.appleserialnumberinfo.com/Desktop/index.php
or
This site provides more information, but lacks security too.
"A serial number is a unique, identifying number or group of numbers and letters assigned to an individual piece of hardware or software. It's used for various things depending on the product / brand but what is your Mac's serial number for and more importantly... what is it hiding and what can it do for you ?"
http://www.appleserialnumberinfo.com/Desktop/index.php
http://www.chipmunk.nl/klantenservice/applemodel.html
( hint by K Shaffer )