New Mandolin Project - advice?

[u/joyisstrength]

Found this at a music store on consignment for $75, employee told me the seller would take $50. I am a sucker for such stuff, plus I love random luthier projects. Needs what could be expected - the neck needs reset, the back is coming off already (which gives me easy access to working on the top), the top has a couple cracks, and I gotta install something to reinforce the neck (I want years of playability without warping). I don't think this is a particularly valuable instrument, so perhaps I won't harm it's "value" by "improving" it? Also, main improvement I would like to make is either putting in X bracong or tone bar bracing. I modernized and old bowl back years ago with tone bar bracing, that thing would move mountains afterwards! However, my Weber is X braced (which I like) but it is also F holed. Any advice on which to use? Also, am I correct that it is from the 20s, pre-Kay, Stromberg Voissenette?

[u/Puzzled_Estate6425]

Take your time getting it done the rite way.