Geoffrey Crabb

Current speculation seems to be as to the whether the instrument in question was originally made by Charles Jeffries (Sen) or was commissioned of and supplied (unbadged) by CRABB, an existing maker. It is true that John Crabb and his son Henry Thomas Crabb did, jointly, make and supply a large number of unbadged Anglo concertinas to Charles (Charlie) Jeffries (Sen) before he and his sons began to produce complete instruments in their own right. However, it is also evident, although rarely mentioned or possibly known, that he also procured or commissioned instruments from other, contemporary, makers during the later 1800 period Perusal of a series of external & internal pictures of this particular instrument reveals some features that conflict with what is expected to be seen in J & HT Crabb built instruments. I have attached some of the relevant pictures with my own, personal, observations . Geoff C Jeffries 'badged' Anglo Concertina. Some observations..docx

Seems to be as a slower version, with added part, appears on 'Springtime in Battersea' LP (Freereed Record FR 008) Side 2 Track 1. (Unknown Scottiche ?) played by Tommy Williams. Geoff.

I argree with Frank, plus it won't shrink. The desk also of the same material attached with the face grain at right-angles to that of the base plate. Geoff

I agree with RAc, very doubtful if any of those objects are concertinas. Search ‘Shackleton‘ at concertina.com to show a picture of three sailors aboard ‘Endurance’ possibly with the Lachenal English Edeophone in question. Picture not reproduced here to respect copyright. Geoff

As some will know, health issues have caused me to step back somewhat from concertina related issues, so, due to requests for dating information regarding Crabb instruments, I offer the attached information that may be found useful or at least interesting. I have tried to provide all the information that I believe to be relevant, based on the records that exist and that furnished by current/past owners of these instruments. To those awaiting replies to dating and other enquiries, I apologise. Geoff Crabb Dating Document.docx

Gary, I have found two definite Crabb built Jeffries Duets in the records: No.9055, 50 button, built 1930. No.18298, 60 button, built 1969. I have no other information to hand at the moment on these. When I am more able, I will have a look to see if the plans for these (or any others) still exist. Geoff

AN Other =Tommy Williams Early 1950's

Notemaker, thank you for the kind words. However, the instrument was made jointly by my late father Henry Joseph (1911-1981) and late brother Henry Neville (1938-1989), I joined the firm in 1974 and worked on instrument ID No's 18455 onwards. Geoff. Roger, 17496 was made in June 1964. Geoff.

One of a batch of three (17561, 17562, 17563) made during April 1965. Actually 30 button. The wind button is not usually included in the button count on Anglos. Geoff

Hi Alan, I have sent you a personal message. Geoff

Thanks for bringing this information to public attention. I believe that the name (A G Pendrill) written in the instrument in question is that of Alfred Jnr. In other record entries inspected, he is recorded as Alfred George Pendrill. ( 1872-1966) It is true that he is recorded in the 1911 Census as ‘Tobacconist & Confectioner’ and his wife, Elinor, ‘Retailer’ both residing at 4. The Market, Meads Lane, Ilford. By 1939 (pre-war England and Wales Register), both are now living at 53. Meads Lane. Ilford, a retail shop with accommodation above and are now recorded as Alfred - ‘Concertina Tuner (Retired) and Elinor ‘Confectioner’. This address was and still is, a shop. Regarding Alfred Snr. (1851–1930), on all census records, birth / death indexes and National Probate Calendar he is recorded as ‘Alfred’ only. However, whilst his marriage certificate of (25th July 1875) is annotated Alfred George Pendrill, an amendment in the RH margin indicates that name should read Alfred Pendrill. It is possible that Alfred Sen. was employed ‘in house’ (possibly Lachenal’s) on concertina woodwork construction and Alfred Jnr, as was common, an outworker or ‘journeyman’ tuner. As the latter was usually casual or intermittent work, it would allow him the freedom to take on other tuning/re-tuning work of his choice. Therefore, I believe that the subject Jeffries instrument was only re-tuned by him at some time. Geoff

Don (and Bill), I have requested that this topic be moved to Concertina History forum. Geoff

Yes, apologies for not mentioning. It does appear that my investigations were correct.

Bill, I am having a look, be patient. Try this (links in final post) https://www.concertina.net/forums/index.php?/topic/13534-nickolds-family-concertinas-information/&tab=comments#comment-130584 Geoff