5-digit serials are the same, you just disregard the fifth digit. So 1204 represents a 1964 guitar made in the 12th week of the year. On 4-digit serials, you ignore the 3rd digit, while the fourth digit tells the year. After 1967, it's reversed, so the the first digit represents the year. I will summarize some of the Silvertone serial number basics but for a real deep dive, I suggest going to Doug's serial number page at /serial-numbers-dating.īriefly, for a pre-1967 3-digit serial number the first two digits are the week, while the last digit tells the year, such that serial number 210 indicates a 1960 model made in the 21st week of the year. In doing research on this brand I found the definitive website for Danelectro/Silvertone info at The site is run by Doug Tulloch and he even sells a Danelectro Guitar Guide for you hardcore fans. You can find serial numbers on vintage Danelectro/Silvertone instruments all over the instrument, including back of headstock, neck heel, neck pocket, control cavity and other places. Danelectro/Silvertone (Back to top of page)
