Old metal top Mandolin-info?

[gypsy1]

I was sent these photos of this Mandolin? The owner is looking for info...any thoughts or ideas of where, when etc. I have emailed him back and asked for photos of the back and sides which I will post when I get them.

Walt

[MikeEdgerton]

I don't think that's a mandolin. It loooks more like far eastern folk instrument like a Lu Qing (similar but not the same). It could be middle eastern as well.