Help identifying an old 400 combo

[gibsonlp]

Hi.
I came across this instrument:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/262102788420?orig_cvip=true

Register item: http://www.rickresource.com/register/vi ... p?id=44106

It is listed as a 450 (which seems right as it has 2 pickups) but the serial number puts it at 1955 and not 1960.
AFAIK there were no 450 in 1955.
Any suggestions?
Thanks.

[casinoman]

Hi,

the guitar clearly looks like a 60s example. Looking at 450s from 1959 and 1960 in the register it appears that the serial numbers don't indicate the year of manufacture. My 57 Combo 450 still has a serial 4C, then 4 digits (the first one being a 7 for 1957), then A (for 2 PUs). But 1959 and 1960 seem to be different.

[Ontario_RIC_fan]

I agree Gil. It is likely not from 1955. Best guess would be 1959-00

[libratune]

I agree Gil. It is likely not from 1955. Best guess would be 1959-60

Agreed. The "cresting wave" bass horn and solid back indicate transition from Combo 450 to straight model 450 which appeared in 1960, so I say late 1959/early 1960.

[gibsonlp]

Thanks all

[doctorwho]

If the control pots are the original ones, the date codes on them could help establish a "no earlier than" time of manufacture. I used this approach to establish a rough manufacturing date on a lap steel I once owned.