Actually Customer Relations' database only goes back to say 1993.

Remember, Fender has changed hands a couple of times:

1. Owned by Leo Fender himself from 1946 to the first week of January 1965,
2. Owned by CBS from January 1965 until early February 1985, and
3. Owned by Fender Musical Instrument Company (FMIC) from February 1985 to present

First, FMIC didn't get whatever serial number records existed in the Leo and CBS eras; that wasn't included in the data they received. Then FMIC got a new computer tracking system sometime in 1993 but didn't transfer any old data. The 1985-1993 records from the old system were either computer tapes, old fixed disc stacks, or maybe even hard copy; regardless they were never uploaded and just stored in the back of their warehouse. The story I've heard is that these backups were destroyed in a warehouse fire circa 1995.

On the other hand, although Fender do not do appraisals apparently Mike Eldred and others in the Custom Shop were helpful to Forum user 1953Strat in verifying his real prototype Strat. If the OP really has a rare early instrument then Customer Relations might be a first step in talking to the company about it. They are often interested in seeing instruments from the early years of the company.

(Though I strongly doubt that a Strat with a serial number is a 1953 prototype. And we have other Forum users here with Strats with low four digit SNs. A Strat in the 3000s is valuable to be sure; but not unique.)

A post on Mike Eldred's forum might be a way forward too. But it would be good to wait till detailed photos and other information are on hand so's everyone can be a bit clearer about what they're really looking at.

Possibilities.

Cheers - C

PS: does anyone have user 1953Strat's thread about his prototype bookmarked? It would be interesting to read it again - it was a great story. But I can't seem to find it right now.

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viewtopic.php?f=6&t=22311&start=15

viewtopic.php?f=6&t=3361

and:

viewtopic.php?f=6&t=25292
Are the relevant ones I think, Ceri.

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I'm not an expert, but I play one on the internet.

Ah, that first thread you listed in particular! Now I look at it again I'm glad to see most of us weren't quite as rude to 53 Strat as I'd blushingly remembered. With one or two exceptions - thank goodness for Orvilleowner to keep us all on the straight and narrow! You can see that 53 Strat has clearly developed a thick skin and has become good at patiently waiting for folks to catch on. Admirable.

Oh, I notice 53 Strat is online at this moment of writing - hi 53!

And thanks to you, Twelvebar. Always cool to review some of the true highlights of the Forum.

Cheers - C

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Don't throw tomatoes... I just spoke with my dad and he corrected me. It's a 1953 Telecaster...

I apologize for getting everyone excited. I'll repost on the Telecaster Forum once I've received his pictures within the next few days (he's away). But he did note that there was a hand written date in black felt on the arm of the guitar. (He pulled the metal plate and removed the arm -- the date was inside the arm where it attaches to the guitar with 53-05-05. There are no serial markings on the metal plate.

Thanks again for the great feedback. I've learned a lot!

~Yukonkay

If the instrument has a serial number, it may be stamped on the bridge plate, adjacent to the pickup. Early Telecasters were marked in this manner.

HTH

Arjay

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"Here's why reliability is job one: A great sounding amp that breaks down goes from being a favorite piece of gear to a useless piece of crap in less time than it takes to read this sentence." -- BRUCE ZINKY

Thanks Arjay... I'll make sure that is included in the photos.

We're sure eager to see it, YK.

Vintage instruments such as that are

Arjay

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"Here's why reliability is job one: A great sounding amp that breaks down goes from being a favorite piece of gear to a useless piece of crap in less time than it takes to read this sentence." -- BRUCE ZINKY

Hi Yukonkay,that sheds a completely different light on the matter.The book value for a '53 Telecaster in excellent or mint condition with the case is about.....sit down for this....$32,000-$35,000. I hope that brightens your day somewhat.You can get a professional appraisal from these people here for about $50 but the require a lot of pix where the neck has been removed and the electronics of the guitar shown etc. but the appraisals they give are accepted by most insurance companies. http://www.gruhn.com or you can email George Gruhn personally here: gruhn@gruhn.com and he'll be able to fill you in On what you need to do.

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'65 Strat,65 Mustang,65 Jaguar,4 more Strats,3 vintage Vox guitars,5 Vox amps,'69 Bassman with a '68 2-15 Bassman cab,36 guitars total-15asst'd amps total,2 vintage '60s Hammond organs & a myriad of effects-with a few rare vintage ones.

It might take a while, but they will exceed those highs eventually.

way cool Telecaster though, to the original poster.

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I'm not an expert, but I play one on the internet.

Mystery solved; a '53 Tele is a very cool (and valuable) vintage guitar. Looking forward to the photos on the Tele forum.

My Dad will like that... it will help with the retirement fund. The guitar has been played for over 40 years so it certainly isn't mint. But I'll check out the website once I have all the information.

Cheers!

Gruhn has a 53 Tele for sale right in well used shape for $22,000. Nice, but not mint by any stretch.