Peter Smith

This reminded me of a link a while back, where 'Super Nicko' burnishing cream was recommended for cleaning up old french polished surfaces. It works a treat - like a very fine abrasive - removing dirt and leaving a highly polished surface. I use this to clean up old wooden concertina cases, which still leaves the deeper old marks but improves them dramatically. See the link below for more information. Peter

Andrew Norman makes a 20-button double-reeded anglo. See www.acnorman.co.uk. Peter

On Facebook in 'Concertinas for Sale' there was a 55-button Crane for sale in Australia (Warren Fahey) for Australian $1750 (£1000) I think. See https://www.facebook.com/commerce/listing/1109806376315968/?ref=share_attachment I don't know if it is still available. Peter

Your Scholer concertina looks interesting. What range does it cover? It looks like it has a range similar to the Jones ‘Piano’ concertina. Peter

Message sent. Peter

Thanks. A really interesting history and background to this Anglo. Peter

Looks the same as the one on the Facebook group ‘concertinas for sale’, which says it’s in Cork, Ireland for 2,900 Euros - Unless it’s a scam of course!!

I asked about the Connor & Jeffries before the auction & got some additional pictures. They did not know what key the concertinas were in & I didn't try to explain how to find out! They looked like a well cared-for set of concertinas, all boxed and in good condition. I was after the Connor & should have pushed the bidding a bit further- but there we go. No idea who purchased them but would expect most to appear for sale again! In my view, the prices seemed fair though the Jeffries was possibly a bit high, given the state of the ends. Peter

I think lot 220 is a 26 button with rosewood ends. I wonder who this collection of concertinas and melodeons belong to. Peter

Many thanks for your comments, Dave. I'm sorry for the poor pictures & someone else has now taken on this concertina, so I cann't get any more pictures. I used the concertina museum collection (http://www.concertinamuseum.com/) to try to compare the fretwork to identify the concertina make, as in my post of 11th August. I have owned a few Jones concertinas and the reeds on this concertina did not look like those on a Jones. Maybe its not a Wheatstone either but I do not have the skill or time to re-make concertina ends, so passed it on to someone else to look at. Thanks Peter

Looks like an early Wheatstone. Same fret pattern as http://www.concertinamuseum.com/CM00047b.htm and serial number dates to 1852. Peter

I have a 48 button English concertina in a poor state. I have been trying to find out who made it but without success. I have attached a couple of pictures below, showing the right end, action board and reed bed. A couple of things I have noted: It has the serial number 2366 stamped on the action board, reed bed & bellows and the has rivited levers. The brass reeds appear to have quite large screws holding the reeds. The buttons are quite well worn and look like ivory Any help you could give me to identify the maker of this concertina would be appreciated. Peter

My Jones Perfect 42-button Anglo concertina has now been sold. Peter

Many thanks for your interest, Richard. I have owned the 42 button Jones for over three years but have not got to grips with the layout, which is why I am thinking of selling. I have attached a button layout & Anglo Piano has kindly added the 42 button Jones, in case they are of use. (https://anglopiano.com/#layout) I have sent a PM to mbarrhamilton. Peter Jones Perfect 42 button keyboard layout.docx Jones Perfect 42 button keyboard layout - all notes played.docx

I owned a Jones Piano Concertina until recently. When I bought it, it was in superb original condition & very clean inside - similar I guess to your Crane Duet, Gary. I put new handstraps on it and a few minor things to get it playing. I felt it should be preserved as it was, as it was an unusual & rare concertina. So I would say the same for yours, as its an early example of the Crane system & keep the old handstraps as Ken suggests. (My Jones Piano Concertina eventually went to the US & is now up for sale again on Ebay). Peter