I have recently acquired an instrument that looks like a Ukelele/banjo but with eight strings. I have checked it against a ukelele and a mandolin, but the scale length is shorter than either of these at approximately twelve and a half inches. The only markings on it are on the headstock as per the title of this thread.

Anyone have any ideas A;--- What it is called?
                      B;--- String gauges and tuning?

I haven't a clue myself, but I hope to restore and play this curio this winter.

len