I'm not really sure! I inherited my mandolin from my Dad and he probably got it when he was at sea between the late twenties and the end of the 2nd world war. He more than likely swapped it for something else.
There are no ID markings on it but it is a flat backed, guitar shaped instrument with an oval sound hole. Around the sound hole and extending down to the bridge is a cream coloured plate with dark inlaid ornamentation. There is an ornate picture on the back of a woman in a flowing dress, sitting on a marble stool, playing a tambourine. There used to be an ebony bar screwed into the body across the strings, below the bridge (to increase the sound volume?) until I lost it when I was changing the strings.
I have had it variously described, by people who seem to know more than me, as either Italian or American. It is thought to have been made around 1910. The picture, which is in a romantic style, suggests it might be Italian but my Dad was on trans-Atlantic passenger liners for many years so either is possible?
Can anyone out there give us a clue?

Doug