I would have liked to pm a specific forum poster here to ask rather than make a whole topic but it wouldn't allow me to. I had someone recently offer me their '57 Reissue American Strat. He emailed me a few pictures and I really wanted your opinions on whether its authentic or a fake which would essentially save me the time of driving and money if it were a fake. I just want to be safe than sorry. The pictures are mirror image inverted. Thank you for helping!
http://i478.photobucket.com/albums/rr14 ... 1232351245
http://i478.photobucket.com/albums/rr14 ... 1232351292
http://i478.photobucket.com/albums/rr14 ... 1232351343

Harley,
Everything appears to be in order from the pictures you posted. 21 frets, 8 hole pickguard, vintage tremelo, V serial (couldn't make out the 1st letter or no. after the V). You might want to run it thru the guitar dater project website and wait for a few more opinions because I'm no expert...

_________________
I'm not slow... and I'm not fast... just sort of halffast...

How much is the guy asking? If you decline the purchase I may want it!

I played with the picture with the serial number in photoshop, (just flipping and turning) and ran the number through the Guitar Dater Project.
This is what the site said:

This guitar is from the U.S. Vintage Series
made at the Corona Plant (Fender), USA
in the Year(s): Cannot be determined from serial number,
however you can consult this chart showing the
corelation between serial numbers and dates found on the neck
Fender MIA RI Serial Number vs. Neck Date

The serial number is: V130099

But when you click the link "Fender MIA RI Serial Number vs. Neck Date", it tells you that a record does not exist.

Thanks guys for the info, makes me feel more at ease with buying it. I'll be sure to tell you guys the price I paid for it once its in my possession. (Don't wanna jinx anything)

The guitar looks like it is a genuine one.....