Fender string master dating

[Maz]

Hi all,
I'm going to be selling my fender d8 string master, and wanted to ask if anyone on the forum could give me a rough idea on when it dates from, I've lifted pan heads but think it's had a repaint during it's long life as there's no date mark to be seen also lifted bridge plates to find it's had USA hand made lollar pickups installed in 2012 and new pots so can't date those. I think it's a 1957 model but would appreciate any help from a forum member that might have a good knowledge on these guitars.
Cheers all

[Pop123]

Your guitar was in production for nearly forty years. There are a few differences but I believe the only way you can date the guitar is to look under the tuning pans. Fender stamped the date there.

[Olympianative]

The date was typically handwritten under the tuning trays. Potentiometers can be dated, but the information is nearly meaningless as the stock took years to use up. If you have the original case, that can give you some clues as case linings inside and out changed a few times over the years.

[Maz]

Thanks to you both, for your info, did check under pans but I think where it was repainted at some time in its life whoever did it painted over the dating real shame