The #illegibility of old serial numbers

[Bumpkin]

This is my first post. #

I bought my Gibson Snakehead A-jr mandolin many years ago, and have often wondered when it was made.

The peghead does not bear the Gibson logo; the width of the neck at the nut is 1 1/8"; the scale length seems to be 13 7/8"; and, although the serial number is unfortunately illegible, the factory order number - 8800 - is stamped clearly.

Is this information sufficient to indicate when my mandolin was made - despite the illegibility of the serial number?

[MikeEdgerton]

According to this thread it was made between 1922 and 1926. The search feature here is a great tool.

There is also this article on frets.com that details hidden serial numbers on some Gibson instruments.

I'm sure someone will jump in with the information on the FON.

[cooper4205]

the FON on my 1924 F2 is 8355. hope that helps.

[danb]

It's probably serial 82xxx or 83xxx, meaning 1925 (one of the last snakeheads)