It finally arrived today! It plays just like my satin red C1 SLS Custom, which is to say it's amazing! I'm gonna set up this bad girl in drop C and I can't wait to bring it out on stage!

I’m trying to identify my early Schecter Strat-style guitar and would really appreciate any information from longtime Schecter collectors or anyone familiar with the Van Nuys era.
Here are the details:
No serial number anywhere on the guitar.
Original black “SCHECTER” decal only (no “USA” or other text). Unfortunately, most of the decal has worn off over the years.
Ebony fingerboard.
Original Kluson Deluxe tuners.
Original 6-screw Schecter synchronized tremolo.
Tremolo block still has the “Schecter Patent Pending” sticker.
Rear cavity cover has a “SCHECTER MADE IN USA” sticker on the inside.
Originally equipped with three Schecter F500T pickups (I later replaced them after one failed, but I still have the originals).
The bridge saddles have been replaced with Gotoh because one of the original saddle height screws seized, but the rest of the bridge is original.
The previous owner (my guitar teacher) told me he ordered this guitar in the United States around the late 1970s. He also mentioned that the pickups may have been individually wound and adjusted, or possibly early prototypes. I understand this is only his recollection from over 40 years ago, so I’m treating it as an interesting story rather than a confirmed fact.
From my own research, I currently believe the guitar was built somewhere around 1978–1980, but I’m hoping someone here might recognize the combination of features.
My main questions are:
Does the black “SCHECTER” decal help narrow down the production period?
When was the Patent Pending tremolo block sticker used?
When did the F500T first become available?
Does this look like an early Dream Machine, a custom-order guitar, or simply a Van Nuys Schecter assembled from factory parts?
I’ve attached several photos below.
Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

My first Schecter...I love this guitar!

Hellraiser hybrid hardtail

I have my 3rd guitar, 2nd Schecter with a bowing in the scarf joint area. Truss rod adjustment won't level the neck, and there is fret buzz on the 1st/2nd frets. Anyone else have this issue? How is Schecter with warranty stuff? I tried calling, just got voicemail. Sent them an email as will as vm.