Authentic Fender neck on a pawn shop Squier?

Question

A while back I purchased a cheap Strat at a pawn shop for about $100. It was sold to me as a "Chinese Strat" and I wasn't at all surprised when, upon tracing the serial code, I found it to be a Squier Bullet. I was surprised, however, when I noticed that "Squier" can't be found anywhere on the headstock, but rather a very authentic-looking "Fender Stratocaster" decal, along with "Original Countour Body - Pat. Pend." Any ideas on whether I've ended up with a vintage Strat neck, or simply a reissue or rebadged Strat part? Many thanks in advance!

Additional Details

Following some additional research, I was able to determine that the tuning machines on my guitar are indicative of a Squier. In fact, as I type this message I'm looking at my guitar and in this light, the decals seem a bit off-color. Can't believe I missed it. I was hoping I'd somehow ended up with a vintage Fender neck, but it appears not. Oh well! I certainly appreciate the responses.

Answer 1

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Squier label on a Squier Fender Strat is written in big letters and the word FENDER, in small letters... 1/3 the size of the word Squier.

If you have an authentic fender neck, the date is usually writter at the end of the neck which means, you would have to remove the neck and you would see the date stamp.

Fenders are US made all the way. But, you can get Fender Guitar Parts Made to Vintage Spec from China, Korea etc.... That could have easily fooled you. A USA model is well indicated on the neck.

Source(s):

Berklee Teacher / Luthier & Studio Guitar

Answer 2

You can get "Fender" decals easily - it's most likely somebody put a Fender decal on a cheap Squire to try to pawn it or sell it. It's pretty common.