Hello from Memphis, need helping dating Gibson

[Katy Ray]

Hi there! I am trying to date this guitar that belonged to my great great uncle, Snoozer Quinn.  I think L0 or L00
Attached is a photo I took inside the sound hole. It either says 724 or 1724... can't be certain with the  block printing technique.  Any ideas? 

Edited June 5, 2021 by Katy Ray
adding model

[jdgm]

I've no idea but he's mentioned in a couple of jazz guitar books.

The best guitar shop in Memphis is called Martin guitars.  They might be able to help. 

Then there is Gruhn guitars in Nahsville who might be very interested.

So perhaps email both with the question and pics? 

Good luck!

Edited June 6, 2021 by jdgm

[Katy Ray]

Thanks, I definitely will get over to  Gruhn guitars. Meant to do that by now!

 

[sparquelito]

The serial number, by my eyes, is 1724. 

That's a Gibson that predates the L0 and L00, and was sold as the Style L, or 'the original L1', depending upon who you talk to. 
Most were archtops, some were apparently flat-tops, though the flat-top in full production didn't begin until 1926. 

The original Style L's were made beginning in 1902, until maybe 1905 at the very latest. 
Information available is inconsistent at best. 

Your serial number indicates that it was made in Kalamazoo in 1904. 
If it truly is just 724, and I'm wrong about it being 1724, then it was made in Kalamazoo in 1903. 
So only a one year difference. 
This, according to the Guitar Dater Project. 

I hope this helps. 

🙂
 

Edited June 6, 2021 by sparquelito