Latest known 1960 Gibson Les Paul Standard with a SG body shape

[SMB1983]

There has to be a few made before the red whale

 

[blueline]

You’re welcome, I love this stuff. Do you own any from the first batch?

I do not have a LP from the first batch, the 5 digit series starting with 08749, but I have one from the 2nd batch the ones with 011174 thru 011193. The third batch not noted in the Red Whale article appears to be the 012xxx series with 012095, 012104 , 012121, and now yours. It is very likely there were some produced before the Red Whale but I have not seen any evidence so far. We do know there were some made with "Les Paul" screened on the headstock.

 

[Sheyamax]

Thanks so much for posting the pics! It triggers a lot of questions.
First of all, both the position of the wire and the pot codes indeed support the idea othat your guitar is 01211x. I then wonder if the serial was inked before or after the finish was applied. In the first option, at least the neck of your guitar must have been refinished. In the second option, then you should feel that some finish has been removed?
As for 2122, this is a stunning guitar. The potcodes read 1346027 which is similar to those found in the guitars of the first batch of 1960. (0 8xxx). It show that the use of pots seems to be hectic at the beginning of 1961 (for instance, 2224 has 1346043 as well some in the 13xxx range, and so on). Do you know if this guitar has a short or a long pickguard ? It is unclear to me on the photos your provided.
Do you have additional info on 01123 and you other 1961? 
I’m really starting to like this thread!

 

[SMB1983]

The finish is all original. Gibson sprayed nitro clear coat over their inked serial numbers. I haven’t heard back on 01123. For whatever reasons Gibson stamped mine 01211. They verified it. 2122 has the long guard