Bowlback mystery intrument

[Got8Strings]

I was playing my deMeglio in a public place recently and a lady approached me and told me about a mandolin that she got passed down from her Italian father. She wanted to know if I could identify it. I told her I couldn't but I knew some folks who could!

She took some 35mm pictures which she sent to me and I scanned them. She says there is no label or markings that she can see - other than the floral pattern on the pickguard. There appears to be some kind of discoloring on the cant - almost looks like something used to be there.

Anyone have any idea what this is?

http://meowijuana.com/images/pic1.jpg
http://meowijuana.com/images/pic2.jpg

[Jim Garber]

It looks sort of American, esp from the headjoint (or lack thereof) and the tailpiece. The back plate looks like a home-made job. Doesn't quite ring any bells for me, but i will look thru my image collection.

Jim

[Got8Strings]

Thanks Jim. What do you make of that discolored area?

[Martin Jonas]

Looks like a homemade crack repair to me; like somebody pasted a patch of wood veneer over the top.

Martin

[Eugene]

Looks like a homemade crack repair to me; like somebody pasted a patch of wood veneer over the top.
Or even inset.

I agree with Jim that it certainly looks American and rather "entry-level" at that. That floral inlay pattern in pearl, not celluloid that I'm aware, was used by whoever built for the Bruno house brand. Otherwise, this doesn't strike me as similar to Bruno pieces.