Typically, CB fiddles from the mid-late 1800's were held down the length of the forearm, not rested under the chin ( see the famous print from the 1870's showing two Union soldiers sitting in front of their tent; one of them is playing / holding a "Figaro" cigar box fiddle in this fashion.). So it could possibly be a fid. There appear to be at least two notches on the tail that seem to show evidence of string wear, which would also suggest a carved wooden bridge somewhere "north" of the tail.
I don't see any evidence of a missing chin rest, or any wear associated with someone tucking it under their chin to play it. It may very well have had a banjo-style bridge on it.
Comments
Looks like the genuine article. Beautiful!
I will get it running later on if I can, think I have a banjo string that should work
I don't see any evidence of a missing chin rest, or any wear associated with someone tucking it under their chin to play it. It may very well have had a banjo-style bridge on it.