Ove

Thanks Wes, that helps. If I use my reading glasses I can see those brown grain lines. But even under magnification the suspected ivory has none. Ove

Paul, nothing scientific involved. I earlier put buttons from a couple of Mahogany Lachenals under a 20 X microscope and compared it to buttons from an early Rosewood Wheatstone that was supposed to have ivory buttons. There was a big difference between the appearance of each under magnification. The Jones had that same look of a milky and more uniform texture, as the Wheatstone did. Years back I compared (under magnification) some genuine ivory and faux ivory that my wife inherited. It was not so easy to tell the difference. But the difference between bone and ivory, I think is easy to tell - with enough magnification. Of course I compared the white buttons, the black stained buttons are harder to see the texture, especially on the bone. At least for me. Ove

Thanks Wes, for both for estimated year and the link. I bought it for the reeds hoping it was a Lach or Wheatstone. Only to be surprised to that it was in fact a Jones with ivory, beautiful Rosewood ends and broad steel reeds. Definitely not one of his entry level boxes. And so now instead of a box of extra parts, I’m confronted with a major restoration project, that I hadn’t planned on. I really would like to have it restored and added to my small collection. Ove

Can I get some help identifing the manufacturing date of a Jones 48 English I just picked up on Ebay. It is #4516, Rosewood case, ivory buttons, steel reeds. The Rosewood is a beautiful deep red with black streaks and the buttons are ivory not bone, bushed and small, about 5.2mm. Searching I haven't found anything to put me in the ballpark. I would appreciate help from more experienced heads. Some photos attached.hed.

Thanks Stephen, it all makes sense now. On a side note, I was convinced the keys were brass, so I polished one key and apiece of yellow brass and put them side by side. You are right, they are nickel silver. Ove

Stephen, one more photo that I missed. The number stamped on the inside of the bellows, 59141. Ove

Stephen, let me try this again the right way. I took the photos, attached. The numbers stamped on the sound boards is 35906, very difficult to discern in the photo. But under 8x magnification both boards have the same number. I had previously removed the thumb and pinky finger supports. On one end the fret work cracked and collapsed in to the action board at the thumb support bracket, there was no pillar under the fret work supporting it. If any other photos would be useful please let me know. I also will work on linking to references for future posts, your point is well take. Ove

Yes, sorry about putting it in the wrong thread. Also I realized I should have done more serious searching for the answer. Which I have since done. It is in fact a Wheatstone #3990, sold on Feb. 11th 1853 (pg 23 ledger 1048). But it was likely made in mid 1851. The sales record shows that #4019 was the first 4,XXX series sold on November 4, 1851 (pg 32 ledger 1047). This assumes 4091 was built after 3990. If this is correct, then this is one of the early Wheatstones to use Louis Lachenal’s modifications. Also C-048 #3550 in the Concertina Museum is a close cousin. The exact same Lachenal action. It also has the same brass keys as C-047 #3410. I think that what Stephen raises about a modification is likely the answer. #3990 probably went in for service to Lachenal &Co. some time later. If it was built with nickel alloy reeds, it now has steel reeds. Also they probably pasted the newer Lachenal decals on the reed boards, at that time. if there is any interest I can post some photos. Ove

I could use some help in resolving what appears to be a contradiction. I recently acquired a flat ended rosewood 48 English in need if serious restoration. Opening it up I found steel reeds (not nickel alloy), printed sound board decals, Lachenal & Co. (not Louis Lachenal) and the number 3990 clearly stamped on sound boards and action boards. It has solid brass keys and a top quality French Polish finish (dirty and a little faded of course). To my inexperienced eye, historically speaking, the later label and early serial number don’t fit. There are indications that it came with sound baffles that were at some time in the past removed, and the original makers label probably went with them.