Rare Antique Mandolin Unique Bowl Back Mother of Pearl Fretboard Tater Bug Case

Description

Rare Antique Mandolin Unique Bowl Back Mother of Pearl Fretboard Tater Bug Case.
I can't find much information about this beauty but I'd estimate early 1900's possibly as old as 1898. Maybe it's a Midland I don't know. There are some markings on it, included in the pictures.  On the back of one of the tuning pegs stamped in the metal it says "Pat Aug 9 1898" and on the bottom part that holds the strings there's another stamp in the metal that says, "PAT'D OCT 6 96."  I'm sure someone will be able to identify it.  It's beautiful though, the inlay really makes it pop.  I could not find a label or sticker inside the Mandolin.  The case is in fair shape as you can see from the pictures, some scuffs and such.  I took a picture of the bottom of the Mandolin where there appears to be a small crack.  It's also missing some inlays in the upper right of picture number 2 (in the checkered pattern that goes around the Mandolin) and some of the black inlay wood is missing around the sound hole, along with one of the circle pearl inlays.  If I played Mandolin I'd surely keep it, it's a nice piece that I hope someone will restore or play as is.  I'm sure if we strung it up, it would sound great.  I'm selling it as is, feel free to give me a call about it if you have any questions.  Six,one,seven,seven,five,six,five,two,one,four.