Kalamazoo EKE-2472 Electric Lap Steel Guitar

Hi all. My local music store has something that I really want, but am not sure exactly what it is. Know any good web sites that can help me figure it out? Oh.

Anyhow, its a Kalamazoo EKE-2472 Electric Lap Steel Guitar. All black I'm pretty sure. Sure looks vintage, neat early pickup in it. Sounds great, stays in tune, all original stuff, tuning mechanisms seem firm... and its selling for $299.00 US.

I looked on a vintage guitar site, and although it did not have the #, had some useful info to figuring things out. I know Kalamazoo has something to do with Gibson, I heard its a second? I used the info to figure out what the serial # means, but I just can't believe it.

The first E said it was a 1939. The K means Kalamazoo and the last E means electric. Nothing on the 2472. It looks old and all, but 1939? Could it be?

Just trying to get a ballpark on the value and any info anyone has on Kalamazoo. Thanks.