Gibson Pumpkin

[stringdoctor]

Just bought what I think is a Gibson pumpkin with a replaced back (therefore no label inside the box). I'm wondering how to go about authenticating it. I only have one image from the eBay auction.

[MandoSquirrel]

I was watching that. I guess there isn't a serial number available, so when you get it, check inside, probably the neck block, for a factory order number.

[stringdoctor]

On the right side of the block inside, there is a faint 1938. It looks like an ink stamp, not burned in like a Martin guitar serial number. Is that the year or something else? The back was replaced and they did a fairly sloppy job inside, with glue evident in places. It also appears that the body was refinished and possibly recently stained. Some of the stain can be found inside, as if it spilled in there...There was a faint smell of stain or varnish or something. As soon as I figure out how to post pictures, I will. Nice sounding mandolin definitely worth the price I paid.
Thanks!

[mrmando]

That's a factory order number. Puts the instrument around 1912, according to Spann's Guide to Gibson:

http://www.mandolinarchive.com/perl/show_mando.pl?2198

[Bill Snyder]

Stringdoctor, H E R E (http://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/showthread.php?73929-Imbedding-photos) is a thread explaining posting a photo.