UPSTATENY

Ha...thanks, I'll check them out. But before I leave, and not to offend concertina afficandos, but can you tell me the simple difference between a concentina and a melodeon (a new word for me) - is the number of keys, the number of bellows,etc.???? I've enjoyed surfing around this very interesting and informative forum and thank you for the input. I've already learned a new word and developed a respect for sqwakboxes.

Thanks so much for your prompt response. I didn't realize there are missing pieces - on which of the four photos should the missing keyboard/pallet be? Actually, what is a keyboard pallet? I did a google search for keyboard pallet but it only shows the entire concertina. Do you think this is just a home-made melodeon/concertina or was it commerically/professionally produced? Thanks again.

This is my first post, so I hope I'm doing this correctly. I found your informative site while trying to identify this lovely, antique but rather primitive looking sqawk box (compared to the concertina's I've seen on this site). Since I know nothing about concertina's or instruments, the most puzzling feature is the number of keys - there are only 8 keys and 17 metal tipped bellows. The keys all work and different notes emit when the bellows are open and closed. I inadvertantly poked a side key cover inside the box when I was trying to make it work. Also, it has glass covered pictures of beautiful young ladies and perhaps the maker's name - "RINOMATA FABBRIBA DI AMRONICHE-SISTEMA CAMPLI-ABBUZZI". The only translation that came up was "amroniche(accordian)-sistema (system), so that didn't take me anywhere. Any input as to origin, age, id,etc. would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.