Re: What is it? Cumbus? Banjolin?
The slotted headstock and the wide resonator flanges strongly suggest European design; the "cloud" tailpiece could be European or American. I haven't seen US instruments without brackets to adjust the tension of the head; you're going to have to take the resonator off to determine what system, if any, is used to control the head tension.
Since from its appearance, it hasn't been treated with great care, not surprising that the resonator wood's dried out. You'll need a banjo-mandolin bridge for it, and could replace the missing section of the resonator "decor" if wanted. Taking it apart, you'll ascertain how the neck's attached to the shell, and what it would take to tighten up the attachment. I'd guess it's probably just attached with screws or bolts; unlikely that the instrument would have coordinator rod(s), though it might well have a dowel stick.
I find banjo-esque instruments without tension brackets strange but interesting; nine out of ten banjos from the 1870's on had such brackets, while a minority tried other ways to control head tension. If you get a chance, let us know what you find "inside."
Allen Hopkins
Gibsn: '54 F5 3pt F2 A-N Custm K1 m'cello
Natl Triolian Dobro mando
Victoria b-back Merrill alumnm b-back
H-O mandolinetto
Stradolin Vega banjolin
Sobell'dola Washburn b-back'dola
Eastmn: 615'dola 805 m'cello
Flatiron 3K OM
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