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Dating a Gibson by Factory Order Number (FON) Gibson has historically used two different alpha-numerical formats to catalog its instruments: serial numbers and FONs (Factory Order Numbers). I have an old Gibson A Mandolin Serial Number 35149.

Hi, this maybe one of those daft questions so please bear with me.I own ( for the last hour) a Gibson `Pumpkin top`(?) Mandolin that is it seems quite old.It has a barely readable pencilled label inside it,but I think it reads 37693. I can make out the model `a` but not what it says after Gibson. The label also says at the top Patented Feb 1, `98 # #' # # #March 30,`06 Other patents pending This was brought in the USA from Gruhn Gituars,Nashville TN. Is there anyway of identifying it precisly to the year? Any help greatly appreicated.

Just what I was going to say, you should 'Endeavour' (sorry UK joke) to read the, so called, Factory Order Number which, as Eddie says, should be stamped on the neck block. This will enable me/someone else to tell you the year the mandolin was built. The serial number will suggest when it was shipped from the factory. If you can't read the pencilled number try different types of strong light - in some you can see it in some you can't.

Bear in mind that its not a precise science. I've an A1 where the FON suggests '23, the s/n '24 and the tuners '25. Here is a summary of the differences in the various models: Models and Descriptions L-R: A, A2Z, A3, F4 Ajr Plain model, with no binding or inlay decoration at all, brown finish.

Plain tailpiece cover. Shaped hardshell or canvas case. Usb redirector rdp edition serial. Can have the 'snakehead' peghead (see below) A or A0 Brown or black finish, binding only on face and in soundhole. One ring of purfling around the soundhole. Pickguard that is pinned into the fingerboard and bridge, clamped to the side of the instrument. Pearl dots on fingerboard.

Dark stained birch (not the best 'wavy' or 'curly' cut) back and sides. 'The Gibson' stamped on tailpiece cover. Shaped hardshell case. More detail on this model.

A1 Similar to A0, has some features (double purfling on soundhole) of an A2. 'The Gibson' stamped on tailpiece cover, inlaid in headstock. A2 or A2Z Brown, black, or blonde finish all possible. Binding on front, back, soundhole, fingerboard; 'The Gibson' inlaid into the headstock, closer grained (most of the time!) spruce top then a model A0; pickguard that is pinned into the fingerboard, bridge, and clamps to the sides of the instrument. Double ring of purfling around the soundhole. Pearl dots on the fingerboard.

Dark stained birch back sides (still not usually a 'Wavy' or 'curly' cut). 'The Gibson' stamped on tailpiece cover. Headpiece veneered in black on the front. Black inlay along the 'keel' in the back of the neck. A2-Z Similar to A2, but with snakehead peghead, blonde finish, b/w binding, and (usually) A2-z on the label. Made in the Loar period (1924-25). More detail on A2 or A2-Z mandolins.