Re: "Citation" brand mandolin?
Here's a possibly useful thread discussing Citation brand acoustic guitars, on the guitarscanada website. These Citations were apparently imported by Grossman Co. of Cleveland. The guitar dealer/repairperson who responded says that all the Citation guitars on which he's worked, have been plywood, and have looked like Martins. Similar to the eBay example you cite.
Which says nothing at all about the mandolin in question, other than what you already know: Asian import, possibly 20-30 years old, probably a low-end. Not worth risking $100 on without trying first, IMHO. There are playable solid-wood mandolins around for around $200, such as the Kentucky KM-150. Recognizing that $200 is more than $100 (drawing on my 2nd grade math here), still you'd have a decent quality instrument from a recognized manufacturer, rather than a "mystery mandolin."
Allen Hopkins
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