Nice Bass...
Lookin' different in the Scratchplate, Pickup department... and a nice old style 2 saddle bridge.
Had similar with a machine head, one of a cheapy set for a Cruiser by Crafter fix-up.
I Removed the bolt holding the gear wheel, and pushed a 'plug' out from the back of the string post with a scribber.
Worth a go for a better anchor on the E string... If its a fix, you won't have to list it as an issue?
Is that some sort of X in the wood or some sort if shaddow, just under the strings?