Antiques: Mandolin strikes the right chord

Q:  My cousin thoughtfully passed along this family mandolin owned and played by our grandfather from the time he was 10 years old. It measures 67 cm in length (26.5 inches). The label inside says; "Gibson Mandolin Guitar Mfg. Co patented February first 1898 Kalamazoo, Michigan, U.S.A.” It is in very good condition. It has a leather case dated 1893. My grandfather was born and raised in Southampton, Ont. but often travelled to St. Jacobs and Berlin (Kitchener) Ont. to visit family. Re