Grandma's mandolin?

[David Rambo]

I'm looking for information about this mandolin. It was either my grandmother's, or her mothers. I remember my father playing it a little in the early 1950's, and it was old then. As far as I know, everything is original. I can't see my grandfather going to a music store, so it was probably a door-to-door sales item. When I was small, I remember a dried up paper label in the mandolin, but it has been lost over the years.
I have tried to add attachments with some pictures of the mandolin, and will appreciate any help you can provide.

[David Rambo]

Here are a few more pictures:

[Bob A]

I can't tell you much about the mandolin from the pictures. I suspect it's US-made, seems sort of early (based on the very nice tailpiece and string attachments), well-cared-for from the appearance of the finish. A lower-end instrument judging from the rib count and general lack of ornament. (But don't be dismayed - trim isn't everything; several of my lew-end bowlbacks are fine mandolins in their own right).

I'd strongly recommend very light gauge strings; the ones you'll find in most music stores will quickly destroy the mandolin. GHS makes a classical set, as does Martin I believe; there are rather more expensive (and considerably better) strings from European makers should you want to go that route. If you get seriouslyi interested in setting up and playing this mandolin, look for advice in the Clsssical section of this website.

[8ch(pl)]

2 sets of Tenor banjo strings will serve. They are about .009in to .030in.