Hi Jack,

Your story sounds very similar to mind. I when home Christmas and my mum handed me Walliostro Zither mandolin. She said it was my Great great granddads which would tie in with your turn of the century idea. I am English and so was he, which also backs up your information I have also had trouble with the original bridge being particularly high. I don't know how similar these two instruments are but I would love to see a picture.. b_beazley@fsmail.net and I would be happy to send one.

Take care
Ben