From Bob’s submission:
I bought this several years ago on eBay, it has a handmade serial# 1078 inside. I assume the original flaked off like so many have, and the number sure fits within the sequence on your site. Adjacent to the number is a small original sticker, clear with gold writing “Astors TV & Music Shop Richmond VA”. I am old enough to remember musical instruments and amps showing up in TV shops; I bought my first bass and a guitar from an electronic parts store chain in the 60’s.
This bass seems to be all original, it works perfectly; I have black coated strings on it. It hasn’t gone out of the house much, though I do remember stuffing a little foam at the bridge to play it at an upright bass gig when circumstances prevented me from bringing my URB.
thanks, Bob