I am trying to date my dad's old Gibson archtop which, I believe, is an L-50 from the 1930s or 1940s (that's what it looks like based on online searches). There isn't any visible serial number or other specific identifying feature on it, and I'm wondering if there is any way to narrow the date further. Here's the information I have:
The guitar looks pretty much like these:
The body is 16" wide.The guitar has f-holes and a sunburst finish on the front, which is spruce. The back and sides are a reddish brown and look like mahogany, but I'm not sure of that.
The Gibson logo is the says "Gibson" and is of the older style (none of the letters drop below the others) and is inlaid pearl.
The fretboard has dot inlays beginning at the third fret.
The tailpiece is trapeze style with a raised diamond on it.
The tuning keys were (they have been replaced but my dad has originals) 3 on-a-plate.
Is there anything that might help me narrow down the date?
Thanks
