I'm not so sure it's an earlier bike. The foot boards, brake pedal, & fender braces make me think it should have had a dash plate instead of a goose neck.
I think paul would have done anything to make a sale, especially a fleet order. You do raise a good possibility of it being a possible GI surplus bike.
I just got the same reply as you Rick......"Yes, OK, Gracias". I'd say they're not interested in the cause, just the money....
Mike Sal