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J & H Concertina


Bill Taffe

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Ebay is listing a concertina "No 420 English pattern Concertina 20 keys. There is a winged emblem with J & H underneath it on the seal."

 

Can anyone shed light on what this might be? Construction? Reeds in a reed pan (English style) or a accordion-style reed box (inexpensive German/Italian style)?

 

Who was J & H? English?

 

Thanks in advance.

 

Bill Taffe

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I'm not sure, but I think it's a German attempt to copy the look of English-made anglos. I've seen a couple of others like that, though without the "Egnlish pattern" designation. Wooden levers, accordion-style reeds on ganged plates, not much playing volume, flimsy bellows. Might be good for starting on, if it were brand new... and cheap.

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Bill,

 

It's definitely German (you can see the wooden action levers where buttons have fallen off). I'm going to place a bid anyway just in case the reed tongues are really steel. If so, I would expect them to be ganged on metal (probably zinc) plates as in some prewar steel-reeded meolodeons, Chemnitzers, etc (as Jim indicated). I'm currently looking for a truly steel-reeded early German instrument to restore because I want the sound for a recording project. However, I am aware that this will cost more to repair to functionality than a good working steel reeded Lachenal would cost to BUY.

 

BTW, don't be confused by some contributors to this site who persistently misuse the term "steel reeds" as a synonym for "english-type steel reeds" or "steel reeds in shoes," etc. The term "steel reeds" (or "steel notes") is used, and has been used for a hundred years or more, to refer to REED TONGUES of steel, even if they are mounted 2 to a reedplate (as in many modern accordions and "accordion-reeded concertinas"), or 10 or more to a reedplate as noted above. "Steel reeds" does not (and should not be used to) imply english-type concertina construction.

 

As well, you should know that many German made concertinas were fraudulently stamped "steel reeds," "broad steel reeds," etc. when the reeds were in fact brass or nickel-silver. Finally, "steel bronze reeds" are also not steel.

 

The first time this instrument was for sale I contacted the seller, who didn't return my message until I left New England, so I was unable to check out the instrument in person. If it turns out to be one of the "made to deceive" types, I will still be in the market for an UNRESTORED, NEVER RETUNED German-made 20 - 36 key square or hexagonal concertina with steel reeds ganged on zinc plates.

 

Best wishes,

 

Paul

Edited by Paul Groff
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