If you go to ebay and put in the item number, 150053212977 you'll see what I meen by odd.

Any clues to explain this thing. It's listed as a strange viola.
I tried posting on Maestronet, but for some reason, there would be an error and all the browser windows would close on me.

hey
ok I play violin but I know alot about the other instruments include in an orchestra. If it is what I think it is that strange viola would be a viola de gamba the extra pegs and tail piece are for strings that go under the fingerboard. These strings are used to creat a harmony with the played notes.
Thought you'll would have known some of the history of your own instruments.

GMViolin, I see the wink, but I think you actually believe yourself a bit too much.

To my eye, it isn't a viola da gamba, or a treble viol or a pardessus viol. It doesn't look to me like it is rigged for sympathetic strings, either (which the viol you mentioned doesn't have, anyway). Therefore it isn't a Hardanger fiddle or a viola d'amore either.

It has the wrong construction for a viol--way too much arching of the plates for that.

Rather, I think there is a quite simple explanation. I guess it is an amateur homemade fiddle. At some point the owner decided to add a 5th string. Notice the awkward peg added on the wrong side of the nut. Notice that the plates are made from flat-sawn wood rather than rift-sawn. This is counter to established practice. This instrument is likely to be more sensitive to humidity as a result.

Thanks for pointing out this interesting e-bay auction. It is a great find!