Telecaster without serial number

smooresmoore Frets: 30
Morning all

Without a serial number on the rear of the head stock, is there any way to identify a Telecaster?

I have zero reason to believe that it isn't genuine, the shop that sold it to me is very well respected and I've been using them for many years - but I need a serial number for insurance purposes.

Would the number be anywhere else on the guitar?

It's a 1952 hotrod reissue if that makes any difference?

Many thanks,

Simon

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Comments

  • tone1tone1 Frets: 5112
    edited August 2019
    Yes, I had a 52 Hotrod Tele with no serial number which was correct when I researched it. I seem to remember it was on the bridge plate..
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  • smooresmoore Frets: 30
    Thanks for the quick reply - any idea why there was no serial number?

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  • tone1tone1 Frets: 5112
    I think that’s how they used to do it originally in the 50’s
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  • KittyfriskKittyfrisk Frets: 18384
    It will possibly be on the neck heel where it is bolted to the body or the neck pocket.
    The re-issues were said to have the the serial number stamped on the bridge plate too, but I can't verify that as sadly I don't own one  ;)
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  • TeleMasterTeleMaster Frets: 10103
    Check the bridge plate. 
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  • TINMAN82TINMAN82 Frets: 1845
    No serial anywhere on my AV52 tele
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  • ICBMICBM Frets: 71960
    If it's a '52 reissue the serial number is stamped onto the bridge, and if the bridge has been changed - for example for the Fender 6-saddle one - then there will be no serial number on the guitar any more.

    There may be a sticker with it inside one of the body cavities.

    "Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski

    "Just because I don't care, doesn't mean I don't understand." - Homer Simpson

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  • TINMAN82TINMAN82 Frets: 1845
    ICBM said:
    If it's a '52 reissue the serial number is stamped onto the bridge, and if the bridge has been changed - for example for the Fender 6-saddle one - then there will be no serial number on the guitar any more.

    There may be a sticker with it inside one of the body cavities.
    You’re right, I thought it was a patent no. for some reason.
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  • smooresmoore Frets: 30
    Thanks all

    There is a five digit number underneath the "pat pend" no the bridge - so this is the serial number??

    I'd also assumed it was a patent number!


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  • FunkfingersFunkfingers Frets: 14323
    ICBM said:
    If it's a '52 reissue the serial number is stamped onto the bridge, and if the bridge has been changed - for example for the Fender 6-saddle one - then there will be no serial number on the guitar any more.
    The pre-2013 AVRI '52 Telecaster outfit included a six saddle replacement stamped steel bridge. The only legend stamped into this alternative bridge is the word FENDER, perpendicular to the line of the strings, à la CBS era.


    Be seeing you.
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  • robgilmorobgilmo Frets: 3359
    smoore said:
    Thanks all

    There is a five digit number underneath the "pat pend" no the bridge - so this is the serial number??

    I'd also assumed it was a patent number!


    Put into Fenders serial check and find out.
    A Deuce , a Tele and a cup of tea.
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  • uncledickuncledick Frets: 403
    robgilmo said:
    smoore said:
    Thanks all

    There is a five digit number underneath the "pat pend" no the bridge - so this is the serial number??

    I'd also assumed it was a patent number!


    Put into Fenders serial check and find out.
    Doesn't work with the AV52s.  Totally random numbering.
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  • robgilmorobgilmo Frets: 3359
    Guitar dater?
    A Deuce , a Tele and a cup of tea.
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  • smooresmoore Frets: 30
    Tried Guitar dater and got this which can't be correct (unfortunately):

    Your guitar was made at the 
    Fullerton Plant (Fender - Pre CBS Era), USA
    in 1960 - 1961
    Production Number: 63929


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  • MattFGBIMattFGBI Frets: 1602
    Message me the serial and I’ll have a look tomorrow. 
    This is not an official response. 

    contactemea@fender.com 


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  • smooresmoore Frets: 30
    Thanks Matt - I've sent you a message

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