There were definitely bats that came with wrapped handles from a number of manufacturers, including Reach. The same can be said about hockey sticks during the era. 
But I personally, like Mark, have never seen one taped in this particular fashion, so high up the barrel. 
Maybe others can shed more light... 
 
 
Brent
		 
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
	
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