Bow length and brace height question

[bad arrow]

When determining an unknown recurve bowlength,do I measure along the curves of the grip(belly side,groove to groove)and all contours?        On the 3Rivers site it shows Dale disregarding (I think) the grip curves. Now my Savannah longbow measures only 58" when I disregard the grip curves. However when the curves are included it comes out as stated-62". The old recurve I just bought was sold as 62"(unmarked) And it still just measures 59" when following all the contours. Was he just guessing on the length? Once I figure that out what would be a safe brace height to begin with?....Phil

[bad arrow]

BTW- Its a 1950's 53# Centaur Stallion recurve

[Orion]

Bow length is measured from nock to nock along the back of the unstrung bow, following the contour of the limbs. The back of the bow is facing away from you as you would hold it to shoot it.

[bad arrow]

Hmmm...the instructional video "setting up your bow" on the 3Rivers site shows Dale measuring the length of the belly and not on the back....Phil