Or perhaps the previous owner had the truss rods "cut off" as in they were replaced by a new pair of rods, and that the neck is in fine shape, considering that replacement? Just my .02 cents, but it sort of makes sense to me, considering how the instrument looks to have been looked after very well, otherwise.
But a nice bass, that's for sure. I can imagine that top with a roasted maple, or birds eye maple, fretboard would also look really nice.