Gibson A50 1950’s

[Rossipeter602]

Is a 1950‘s A50 supposed to have a label inside? What about stamped model and serial numbers instead? The serial Number is a bit odd. It starts with a letter followed by four numbers a space and the two more numbers. Is it possible a second got to the market?

[NickR]

Take a look at the photos of this one recently sold on eBay- the numbers are shown and there is no label.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/26618581206...p2047675.l2557

[rcc56]

50's A-50's generally don't have a label. Sometimes they have stamped model numbers.

What you are calling the serial number is a "factory order number," and can be used to identify the year the instrument was made.

The configuration [letter ### #] was used from 1952 through 1961.

The letter identifies the year. Gibson used the alphabet backwards during this time, so Z = 1952, Y = 1953, X = 1954, and so on.
The group of numbers immediately after the letter indicates the "batch number," and the final number[s] indicates the instrument's number in that batch. For example, an instrument marked W 2541 18 would have been the 18th instrument in batch number 2541, and was built in 1955. Expect to see such numbers in instruments such as A-50 mandolins, and J-45, 50, and LG model flat top guitars.

And no, this number is not an anomaly or an indication of a factory second. This was a standard numbering system, used on instruments that did not have labels.

During this period, Gibson also used two serial number systems, known as "A style" or "Les Paul style" serial numbers. We see those serial numbers mostly on upper line archtop and electric instruments. Plainer model instruments are more likely to have a factory order number similar to yours.