Feder Jazz Bass Japan, PAT 2.373.254

Hello, I have an inquiry regarding a japanese jazz bass, natural body, maple neck with block inlays. it has the big black Fender logo on the headstock and big "jazz bass" written on it, too. But there comes the odd thing: under the Fender logo, you do not have the usual serial number format Fenders have, but a PAT 2.373.254 and then a lot of other number too, in the same format as the beginning. What kind of a bass it is? A reissue of some sort?

Your help is much appreciated!!!

ANSWER

I am posting this in hopes that some of our expert readers will have some ideas for you.

Lynne