What is it?

I started this in the Collector's Corner group, but I thought that some builders might have an opinion since there are some good pics...

What to make of this dulcimer? I was following this auction on the Goodwill site (a favorite pastime, I admit). The expired auction pictures can be viewed at

http://www.shopgoodwill.com/viewItem.asp?ItemID=16557100

It looks almost like a Frankenstein--the head is immense, and a piece of metal has been attached to the tail through which the strings run. The box, though, looks familiar. Here is an initial pic--there are others on the link above.

Curious to hear some opinions...