hummingbear

I'm really pleased with the friendly and helpful exchanges that have resulted from my posting here. We sold the instrument to someone who will be playing it in much the same spirit as the original owner (Tania's uncle), making Tania very happy. Several people asked for photos of the instrument. I've taken some shots and posted them here. It's been nice etalking with you. Alan

Take a look at http://hmi.homewood.net/bnick/ The second picture shows ends that look exactly like mine. (But mine has a black bellows). The caption says it's amboyna wood; only the Wheatstone ledger page showing my serial number indicates that mine is tortoiseshell. Did they finish the amboyna wood to make it look like shell? Or is the photo caption wrong? hummingbear

Thanks to all who have replied. You've been very kind. Someone was clever enough to point me to the Wheatstone ledger page which lists this instrument: http://www.horniman.info/DKNSARC/SD02/PAGES/D2P0590S.HTM which led me to realize that I'd typed the serial # incorrectly; it's actually 31203. My wife says her uncle played this instrument in a Russian folk orchestra in New York. I'll be glad to answer any questions by e-mail, in preference to reading this site. Thanks again, alan

Hi, I'm new here, so feel free to offer advice of any kind. My wife has had this old heirloom concertina in the attic, and finally decided to sell it. Although I'm a musician, I know nothing about concertinas, so I'm not sure how best to go about it. Is this a good place to advertise, or should I try E-bay, or consign it to a dealer? I'm located in California. Here are the specifics: Wheatstone # 31202, 56 buttons, octagonal, 6-fold bellows Ends are lacquered wood, reddish (mahogany?); bellows is black leather; buttons are metal (brass, or possibly gold-plated?) The bellows is intact and all the buttons work. Everything in great condition, except for some wear on the leather on the inner sides of the ends. Original box, brown leather with purple velvet lining. Good condition, except for broken strap and lock. What else can I tell you? Should I try to figure out the range of the notes? Any offers?