I think I must be seeing 8s that aren't there. From Jim Shine's Page:
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Then we see a Jaguar decal with 7 patent numbers (DES 186,826 PAT 2,960,900 2,972,923, 3,143,028 2,817,261 2,741,146 & PAT PEND), the Jazzmaster had three different decals used at once for a very brief period of time. CBS Fender had decided the old type “A” transfers applied over the finish were not durable above the lacquer, so it was decided a version applied under the lacquer would hold up much better. It was also decided that the lettering should be increased in size perhaps to make the brand and model name more prominent on TV and in photographs. In early 1966 Fender experimented with two type “C” transfers on the Jazzmaster, both would only appear on select custom colors. For the lighter custom colors such as Sonic Blue, and Ice Blue Metallic, the black CBS Jazzmaster logo appeared. These decals feature 6 patent numbers (PAT 2,573,254 2,960,900 2,817,261 2,972,923 3,143,028 Des 186,826). This CBS logo is almost identical to the ones used from 1967 onward, but lack the â after Fender.
Sunburst, blonde and Olympic white Jazzmaster’s used the old style Type “A” transfer. This experimentation with the decals was very short lived. Most guitars found with this system of labeling have February 1966 stamps. There are no strict rules with this system. There appear to have been Olympic white guitars made with the black CBS logo, and some metallic finishes have the older over the finish decal. The new CBS logo was then briefly discontinued from standard use and does not reappear until the type “A” decal is completely phased out in 1967. The later version features an “R” in a circle after “Fender”.
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This makes total sense, as the headstock is the smaller 66 size. Maybe the red ink was used in the pre production area in early 66. I'd love to ask Jim about this one. Turns out that putting the decal under the finish works well (surprise surprise!) I'd be interested to learn more about the neck pictured. Also, the binding on mine hasn't lasted very well really. It's all quite interesting in terms of the early CBS Fender history!
Edit: I noticed my logo is a 7 number logo though, unlike the above.
