here is some interesting info...
B5AE 272 cu in V8 1959 Replacement block for 272. May have been used for marine & fleet

 

I think by now we will agree its 272, thanks for interest, bill.

 

bill, if that's the case I'm a happy man...!!!

 

hi, it could also be a 256, they used those in f-600 and b-600 through 56, it's the same bore as a 272, were usually painted yellow. just check the stroke, 3.10 is a 256, 3.30 is a 272. if it's a 239 it'll only have 3.50 bore. 256 and 272's had 3.625 bore.