But we don't know what to call it yet !! It has stumped every body on every forum I posted to so far..But most are agreeing it could be from the Ukrainian/ Russian/Turkish area. 
 
I ended up posting in the main forum, sorry but I wanted more eyes. So I'll let this thread wander off..
 
Oh one last thing,, here's a recording id just now. 
https://soundcloud.com/john-vere/test-the-domra
 
 
 

Sounded like a wooden banjo to me. Did you tune it to the 4-string banjo standard (C3-G3-B3-D4)? Your C tuning sounded closer and more banjo-like than the D tuning.

Very interesting!
 
It looks sort of like it might be a derivative of a Chinese ruan, perhaps by way of Russia/Ukraine/Turkey.

You know I keep changing the tuning as I mess about so I more or less lost track of the exact tuning.
I play a bit of Banjo so that probably influenced the playing.
I think one tuning was C_G_C_E
 
What's different is the 4 strings instead it seems the majority of these type of instruments are coursed sets.
 
 

My 1st thought was a lute of some kind. And the head stock & tuning look nylon stringish to me. But I know absolutely nothing about all that.
 
After googling "4 string lute" I see that variations are literally endless so it could be anything.
 
If you can't find any writing, brand, maker, model or serial #, etc. then it's a good chance it's home or custom made or.... extremely old, in which case it could be worth $$$$$$$$$$. Personally I'd have the wood and finish carbon dated to be sure.

Cretan Lute?

Italian Mandolin? (tuned g-d'-a'-e")

Well it is certainly very old, I know old wood and workmanship just by the smell.  The purling and binding are well done so I don't think an amateur made this so I would not think it was homemade. Possibly a small shop somewhere , but where? So far the vote is for Eastern Europe. Possibly even an old Gypsy instrument.  
There is absolutely no sign of writing on it, but sometimes real old stuff is signed or dated with pencil which fades with time.
It is of the lute family just like any guitar etc.
I don't think it's worth anything because of the condition it is in. If we new it's history etc it would have more value. But to me an instruments value is only within it's tone and playability.
Like Gibson Les Pauls' that don't stay in tune, to me they are worthless.
 
I think I will proceed to glue the cracks together and see if I can design a compensating saddle that will fit in the slot without altering the original.
 
Anybody know a good luthering website to ask about repairs? I'm not sure Weldbond is politically correct...
I have posted the pictures on numerous websites and so far it is still an unsolved mystery.

I would check with any well established local luthiers before attempting any repairs. Even if you have to cross city or state lines to do it. Your local schools should know who they are if none come to mind.