Geoffrey Crabb

Probably Lachenal but could be Wheatstone as that style of routed fretwork pattern and the coloured, lettered buttons can be found on English models of a both makers at various earlier times. An internal serial number, if present, may indicate the origin. The H Crabb & Son label indicates that the instrument would have been refurbished/supplied at some time after 1936 and would have been used where the original makers/dealers label was missing or beyond re-use (mutilated). The ever important wording on the Crabb label, 'Concertina Makers', does not imply the subject instrument as being made in the Crabb workshop. It is expected that instruments of Crabb manufacture will have a Crabb four (8*** on) or five (10*** on) digit ID number present internally and/or externally. Exceptions, however, may be found i.e. 1. No number. 2. Some 'odd' external number. 1. Early instruments supplied to C Jeffries pre-1895 only had numbers pencilled internally and these were often erased between collection and final delivery to a customer. After 1895 all Crabb numbers were impressed into the internal woodwork. 2. While some dealers/wholesalers would request there own name/numbers to be applied externally, a Crabb stamp & number would always be impressed internally. Geoff.

'Standard layout' in respect to Anglos of more that 20 buttons is perhaps a misnomer and I think it would be hard to find any of the old makers literature or receipts actually annotated as such. Because of the variation in note allocation by the same maker, that appear to be original, 'Typical' is, perhaps, more apt. Because of this, I can only offer the following 'layout' which I constructed from the original plans of a J Crabb instrument made in 1877 38 ANGLO CG sequence.doc As an aside, to avoid confusion the wind button and any novelty buttons should not be included in the button count on Concertinas, especially Anglos. Only Buttons that sound actual reeded notes should be included. Geoffrey

In fact the process is termed 'Coining' Geoffrey

Some discussion about the Oval badges used by Wheatstone has been made in an item in the Buy & Sell forum. To avoid detracting from the main purpose of the OP, I have added below an image of such a label which, although worn, still shows the actual wording that was used. C Wheatstone & Co Inventors Patentees & Manufacts London Blank ovals (brass or nickel silver) were impressed from the front such that the wording and edge (rim) were left slightly raised. The background was sometimes 'blacked'. Geoffrey

Info attached. Please take notice of the note at the bottom of Page 1. Non Traditional reed types. 1. Wheatstone surface mounted..doc Geoffrey

Bill Whilst not personally aware of George Lambert from any archive material that I have, it is my belief, after a little research based on the name and inscribed addresses (1a Albert Street and 13 Scot Lane) found in the subject instrument, that the attached information is relevant. George Lambert.doc It will be seen that Georges occupation, like his father was ‘collier’ (Coal Miner). It was not uncommon for concertinas used in coal mining areas to actually be taken down and played in the pits during breaks. This may account for the reported dirty internal condition of the instrument. Mark, I wonder if there is a little confusion as to the relationship of the Levy Lambert, that you met, and George. It will be seen, also in the attachment, that although George did have a son named Levy who, it seems, died at or soon after birth, he also had a brother Levy (1906-1981). As no other children, apart from those mentioned, have been found born to George and his wife, Mary Ann, in the records, could it be that the Levy referred to by yourself was actually Georges brother ? Geoff

Matter now resolved, thanks to all who have helped. Geoffrey

Please see some meanderings re: the subject of this topic. Notes & obs Ebay Item 162735074741.doc Geoffrey

Hi Malcolm and all, Well, as you can see, I am still in the land of the living but various ongoing health issues occurring since January 2016 mean that things I have to do have taken precedence over the things I would like to do hence my very few contributions. Whilst I am assured that these health things are not life threatening at the moment they are darned frustrating and most things are a struggle. Still in an attempt to atone, please see the information attached which may be of interest. Crabb Budget Concertinas.doc Geoffrey

Bit late but just a few personal observations re: the subject instrument and Pollitts/Crabb Pollitts Notes.doc Geoffrey

Fergus, from the records, 18457 was made to order in November 1974 for customer in Canada. Geoffrey

More probably Metzler & Co. Geoff

Very sorry to hear the news Ben. A sad loss, both to the Afrikaner Boer music community and to the fraternity of traditional concertina makers. For those not familiar with Koot, search Koot Brits on youtube. Geoffrey

Got that reply message OK, Robert Geoff

Your Welcome Geoffrey