Dating of Crabb Concertinas

Geoffrey Crabb, member of one of the original concertina-manufacturing families, has kindly contributed this notice. I hope you will join me in welcoming his willingness to share while respecting his requests about inquiries sent to him.
-- Ken Coles, on behalf of the mgmt.

To all makers, constructors, repairers, players, theorists, historians and those with an interest in the Concertina and related instruments.

Over the past year (2002) I have, due to various enquiries and awareness of this and other sites, rekindled my interest in the instrument after a break of some 15 years. It may or may not be known that I was associated with H Crabb & Son/Crabb Concertinas for a number of years, until just before its closure, engaged in the making and repair of concertinas. Obviously because the business supported the family over several generations, the concertina was always a dominant factor in our family way of life from my earliest memories.

As I approach retirement from my present occupation, I am thinking of perhaps becoming more active in the concertina world. What form this will take has yet to be decided.

Initially I am trying to compile a comprehensive descriptive list of the instruments produced by the 'Firm' since its establishment in 1860 as J Crabb Concertina Maker. In referring to existing attempts by others to date Crabb instruments, I feel that I am in the best position to provide more accurate information from the records that I own for at least the period 1889 - 1989. Unfortunately the records for many of the instruments are very basic. As yet I do not have records for 1860-1889

The number on Crabb instruments should be considered more as an identity number than a serial number, although obviously the lower numbers relate to earlier years and higher numbers to later years in the majority of cases. The production of formulae to calculate Crabb manufacture dates is impractical because the numbering 'scheme' does not relate to the quantity of instruments produced. I applaud those that have tried in the past but these do lead to great inaccuracies at many points in the time scale.

'J Crabb', 'H Crabb' & 'Crabb Concertinas' production should in no way be compared with that of the major makers. It may be of surprise to some that the instruments made between 1895 -1989, where the identity number was recorded, totals 1,892 instruments. A further 300 'un-numbered' instruments are recorded as made between Sept. 1889 - Nov. 1895. Most of these, I suspect, were made for dealers to sell on i.e. Jeffries, Ball Beavon, T Bostock and others, because these records show references to what look like invoice numbers. (No explanation available as yet). I also suspect that many were supplied without a name or pre-stamped with a dealers name.

To assist me in gathering as much information as possible I would ask all those in possession of a Crabb instrument or know of one, to supply me with as much information as possible about that instrument. (A photograph would be appreciated). In return I will endeavour to supply the date of manufacture.

For security and privacy I would prefer that correspondence is done by e-mail direct to me and not via the Concertina.net Forum. I am not interested particularly as to the location of instruments apart from possibly Country. All details supplied to me will be treated in confidence and used solely to enhance my records. No details will be released to others without the express permission of the information providers or owners of the instruments concerned where known.