I'm pretty much in agreement with John, a combination of heat softening of the glue and string tension resulted in separation of the "flat head." I would guess that there is little other structural damage.

You have three clear choices, (1) a very expensive "restoration" (2) a repair to playing condition (3) giving or selling it to someone who would repair or restore it. Don't throw it in the trash, at least give it to Goodwill where it would find a new home.

McSpadden instruments can have a variety of signatures, even if factory assembled. From the shaping or the sound holes, I'd say a kit is a good guess.

It may need new "bridge", spacer, strings, and tuners, but McSpadden can readily supply them. The re-gluing is pretty much a handyman project, not lutherie, and you might want to make it a DYI job. If I was doing the repair, I'd probably keep the discoloration and the story. 

In any case, it is always a good time to get another instrument.

Oh, I am so very sorry you had a house fire!    

My concern is repair would be very expensive.  Thus, you may be better-off looking for another instrument.

Take care.  Sending best wishes!  

Amazing how it got so scorched, and without touching the case! Just kidding. I hope all are doing well since the fire.

I don't know of any luthiers near Nashville, but I'm sure there are many. As for the cost, well that could get "interesting"...Depending on what you are looking for. Fully restored to like new, will cost you probably much more than it is worth. Returning it to functionality, with all its scars and stories intact will be much more affordable. It "looks" as though the scorching may not go thoroughly through the entire depth of the woods, so other than some thinness in places, and a bit of stabilization, things should work out well.

It looks as though you are correct about the head/glue joint. The heat and string tension made it lose it's mind....Personally, I love instruments that tell a story, give a glimpse into the history. Makes the songs that much sweeter. Just wait till you play Johnny Cash "Ring of fire".......epic!

Hello all! Hope you're doing well. I've posted on FOTMD a couple times in the past, most recently for advice about what to look for when buying my first wooden dulcimer secondhand. I wish I was back under better circumstances, but I'm now looking for advice about what to do with an instrument that was sadly damaged in a devastating house fire (pic attached).

I don't know much about this dulcimer since I got it on Facebook Marketplace from someone who was unfamiliar with the instrument, but it's been suggested to me that it was built from home from a McSpadden kit because the case is McSpadden but there's a different signature inside. The head is intact but has come off as you can see (we're thinking the glue melted in the heat) and the upper area of the instrument is a bit scorched. I live in Nashville, TN — any suggestions for a good luthier in the area? Or is this enough damage that I should just get a new instrument? Thanks so much for your help!