Gibson released its revolutionary humbucker pickup, with PAF (patent applied for) stickers applied to the back during Feb. 1957. These pickups had PAF stickers attached to the back of the humbuckers until 1962, when the actual patent number sticker replaced the PAF sticker. During 1962, there was a transition period where some instruments were actually supplied with one PAF humbucker and one patent number sticker. Circa 1975, the patent number was actually stamped into the back of the pickup. Some very early pickups (1957) will have no stickers, indicating early production. PAF pickups are very desirable in today's marketplace and be cautious when buying them as parts, or as original equipment on 1962 and earlier manufacture.
The configuration of the Kluson tuners used on Gibson instruments can be used to date an instrument. Before 1959, all Kluson tuners with plastic buttons had a single ring around the stem end of the button. In 1960, this was changed to a double ring configuration. Early 1950s tuners have no writing in the center line. Mid- to late 1950s production features Kluson deluxe tuners with single line marking. By the mid-1960s, a two-line marking states "Kluson Deluxe."
The configuration of the Kluson tuners used on Gibson instruments can be used to date an instrument. Before 1959, all Kluson tuners with plastic buttons had a single ring around the stem end of the button. In 1960, this was changed to a double ring configuration. Early 1950s tuners have no writing in the center line. Mid- to late 1950s production features Kluson deluxe tuners with single line marking. By the mid-1960s, a two-line marking states "Kluson Deluxe."