Hi Ron,
There are some very subtle flaws in the oval line itself of 1950s bats at 10 and 2 o'clock that can help determine specific years of 1950s bats, along with a couple of other things in the center oval. They are outlined in Vince Malta's LS reference book -- I just can't make them out in your photos.
Also, I think Vince and Mike Specht both explain that the more square the G in the word in Genuine on the barrel, the earlier in the 50s the bat was made. Your G is fairly round, more consistent with a later 50s bat.
These are such small nuances though, that it makes it hard to tell without examining the bat in person, and even then, it's still tough.
Greg
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