Eddie Mathews Professional Adirondack Model

[VintageGamerN00b]

Hey Guys,

Frequent reader, first time posting. I just picked this bat up at a card shop for $25 bucks.

It's an Eddie Mathews Adirondack 302. Factory stamp in the center of the bat is from the 1951-57 label. There is no line under the 302, which I think would make it a replica. It has "EDDIE MATHEWS" on the barrel, with "PERSONAL" above the name and "MODEL" below. It's 35 inches, and 33.7 ounces (this is noted on the knob in pencil). The knob looks hand-turned, or at least hand-shaved. But the two red flags for me are that 1) there's no stamp on the end of the barrel and 2) there is a dark blue band around the top of the handle (near the middle of the bat). I thought all Adirondack pro model bats are stamped with the model number, and I didn't think the colored bands started until the late 60s.

That said, the older labeling period and the specific Mathews-preferred weight written on the knob in pencil have piqued my interest. Anyone have any thoughts? If anyone is interested, I'll post pics.