Nice job fatt-dad! Mine is a 96 Signature Series 1N and it has a truss rod and an truss rod cover #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/...cons/smile.gif This 96 is a Gibson era Flatiron and it is the only pancake style Flatiron I've seen or played. Could be among the last made in Montana before they moved to Nashville.
Flatiron was around in the early 80's then in 87, they were bought out by Gibson. In December of 96, Gibson moved the operation.
FD- I would venture to say that yours was made on May 27 of 84 amd the 47th 1N made that year.
The neck profile on the 1N is very comfortable to play. I believe it may be a tad bit wider at the nut than my Yellowstone.
The Cadet is from the Performer Series. Supposedly the Performer Series was Flatiron's entry line, then Signature Series, Artist Series and Master.