Hey Bill,
We have similar lumber. I have been told the same things about my bass by different sources. Part of the problem is that basses are so different that violin specialist luthiers are used to seeing patterns and get confused by our strange instrument. Not their fault necessarily, but just too much stuff to learn. Ken has a good eye, and I respect his opinion.
My bass measurements:
Overall Height- 74.5"
Back table- 47.5"
Top table- 46.5"
Bottom Bout- 26.5"
C- Bout- 15"
Top Bout- 20.25"
Ribs- Bottom Bout- 8"
Upper Bout- 7.75"
Mensure- 43.25"
Pics- Your tuners are the most similar to mine that I have seen, minus the "mini hatpegs".
Front Shot:
Also, Arnold has referred me to Bill Crow's bass, which is very similar in appearance. (and Arnold works on it...) It was told to Bill that the bass is French... so much misinformation over the years has led to multiple provenance of basses.
Cheers,
Brian