[quote name='chrkelly' post='266730' date='Aug 21 2008, 12:31 AM'](it ain't a bass if it's that small).[/quote]
Harsh! It's probably a Chamber bass, which would have been used in a Chamber music group. I had one when I was learning to play, which the old man sold to buy a 3/4 . Unusual to see one with Viol shoulders, the chamber basses were often more like an overgrown cello. Mine was.
[quote]instrument to a bass. If you can't find a dedicated bass luthier in your area, a violin/cello luthier is the next best thing.[/quote]
If you can persuade them! All the violin makers I know hate working on double basses, the tools hurt their hands.
I like the idea of getting the local violin making college involved. Best of luck with this, and as someone else said you got a really good deal.