Note white label numbers A-18751 to A-20000 were not used. The last white label number was A-18750, used 1/12/55. The first number, A-100, was assigned to an L-7 on 4/28/47. Number preceded by an 'A-' on white oval label: 4/28/47 to 1/12/55.Instruments with an 'Artist' serial number should also have a Factory Order Number by which a date can be cross-referenced. No serial number used on lower line instruments (date by Factory Order Number). 'Artist' serial numbers used on mid to upper line guitars.1927 and later: Low end models with no serial number.1932 to 1947: Ink stamped, not penciled.

1908 to 1932: Hand ink or penciled (some overlap with previous style):.

1902 to April 1947: Number and model name on white paper label, number range 1000 to 99999:.

1904 to 1909: Oval label with serial number, no model name, photo of Orville Gibson and lyre-mandolin: 1904 to 1909.

1902 to 1908: Rectangular label, no serial number or model name on label, photo of Orville Gibson and lyre-mandolin on label, date sometimes penciled under top.

Serial Number Configuration and Placement:

Gibson guitars serial number lookup