Help me date this old Gibson archtop

[terrypl]

Can you help me date this Gibson archtop? I cannot find a serial number on it anywhere.

[Uke Richard]

L-30. Likely circa 1935.

[terrypl]

Any way to definitively date it?

[Uke Richard]

Originally Posted by terrypl

Any way to definitively date it?

Tailpiece is mid-1930s. That big silkcreen logo is about 1935-1937. Also, the L-30 introduced in 1935 was black until they changed it to a sunburst in 1937.

[terrypl]

Many thanks!

[Dave Richard]

Nice little archtop, and looks in great condition!

Dave

[terrypl]

It seems to be in pretty good shape, although it has a repaired crack on one side. Belongs to my sister, who got it from her late husband. She appreciates the help in identifying it.

[Howard Emerson]

Originally Posted by terrypl

It seems to be in pretty good shape, although it has a repaired crack on one side. Belongs to my sister, who got it from her late husband. She appreciates the help in identifying it.

Terry,
Have you looked inside for an FON stamp? It's the factory order number, and they're almost always done with an ink stamp that fades.

A small mirror & a bright light will help.

HE

[terrypl]

I have not checked that myself, but my sister said someone else did, and could not find any identifying numbers. Unfortunately, I am now 1,000 miles from the guitar, so can't check it myself. I'll ask her to check again.