I did a little online research. Those guitars I was thinking of were made in the early 90s, not the 80s. They had a black Fender logo rather than gold, and are often called “black label Fenders”, though not all Fenders with black logos from that series. Details here...
“The guitars from that very “Squier Series” are official and genuine Fender guitars like any mexican made Fender guitar regardless, and if you have a mexican made Fender Telecaster, Stratocaster or Precision Bass with a black label and a serial number beginning with MN3, MN4, MN5, MN6, MN7 or MN8, you have a genuine Fender guitar – with or without a small “Squier Series” label.”
Excellent post, Hugin.
I discovered that it’s a black label series dating ‘95-’96. Genuine Fender, and not a Squier.
Thanks for all of your help.
With the saddle, bridge, and tailpiece being made of brass hardware, I have go wonder whether or not the previous owner replaced the original hardware.