| Vintage Gibson guitar identification is | | | | codes. In1949, a four digit FON was |
| easy if you know what to look for. | | | | used, but not in conjunction with any |
| Serial numbers are not always the | | | | codeletter. |
| complete answer. Better to look for a | | | | From 1952-61, the FON's scheme followed |
| combination of serial numbers, factory | | | | the pattern of a letter, batch number, |
| order numbers and any design features | | | | and instrument ranking number. The FON |
| specific to the time. | | | | is the only identification number on |
| Factory Order Numbers (FON's) were used | | | | Gibson's lower grade models like the |
| by Gibson to track batches of | | | | ES-125, ES-140 etc.)which do not feature |
| instruments in the early days when they | | | | a paper label. High grade models (such |
| made guitars normally in batches of | | | | as the Super 400, L-5 etc.) have both a |
| forty. Therefore early Gibson Vintage | | | | serial number and a FON. |
| Guitars may have both a FON and a serial | | | | When both numbers are present on a high |
| number. The FON will even provide what | | | | grade model, please remember that the |
| number in the batch of forty guitars | | | | FON was assigned at the beginning of the |
| your instrument was! | | | | production run, while the serial number |
| There are three groupings of numbers | | | | was recorded later (before shipping). |
| which are used for their accuracy. The | | | | The serial number would be the best |
| numbers are often stamped or written on | | | | indication of the actual date of the |
| the back of the instrument and seen | | | | guitar. |
| through the lower f-hole or round | | | | For detailed information plus a list of |
| soundhole. They may also be impressed on | | | | serial numbers you may want to visit my |
| the back of the headstock. | | | | website as there is too much information |
| Code Letter FONs were stopped after 1941 | | | | to share in a single article. |
| and any instruments made during or right | | | | Lyndon is a collector of Gibson vintage |
| after World War II do not bear any FON | | | | guitars. |