Marlen Serial Numbers

[Randy Carlan]

I just bought an all pull Marlen SD 10 and the serial number is 198529. It is on the metal tag listing the manufacturer and engraved on the metal framework of the guitar. The metal tag lists it as S12-198529. I assume that this means that it was originally a twelve, but has been converted to a ten string guitar. However, the serial number confuses me. I have read here on the forum that these serial numbers read backwards. This would not seem to make sense on this serial number.

I love the guitar. It has a Lawrence E 66 pick up and sounds great. It is a red formica, keyless guitar.
Can anyone tell me how to properly read the serial number to determine the date of manufacture.

[Ricky Davis]

I'm pretty sure the serial number read backwards just in the 1970's. When Leonard went to the All-Pull version of the Marlen(and at that time; the ONLY patent all-pull changer); then the serial numbers read forward like in the 60's.
So yours is looking like 1985.
Ricky

[Randy Carlan]

Thanks Ricky,
I really appreciate you guys who have such a wealth of knowledge sharing it with everyone so generously.
By the way my Marlen is one of the best sounding guitars that I have heard.
Thanks Again

[Gary Mcquaig]

Leonard built my SD-10 in 2001 and my serial # 20015.