Gibson made this model in the late sixties (don't know when they started or stopped). I remember because there was one in the music store when I bought my first J-45 in 1969. I believe, but I'm not positive, that it was called either the A-5 (the same model number as the previous red two-pointer as played by Jethro Burns) or the A-Artist. It was meant to be a cheaper version of the F- models so it had the same outline as the F-model scroll but it didn't scroll all the way in, like the so-called Florentine scroll, so they called it A-something. I suspect that it was not made for very long because I've never seen or heard of another one in the last 30 years, so it probably was made in the late sixties. The Gibson company was on the verge of falling into complete disarray at that time, so I doubt that their records would do you any good. If you want more details, you might have it professionally appraised by Gruhn Guitars (www.gruhn.com) or you might ask about it at the mandolin cafe website. If it sounds good I say stick with it. (I still love my guitar I bought then).Good luck, Chet W.