Search the Community

Greeting to you all where ever you are in the World. Thank you for allowing me to join your Forum. A quick bit of background on me: a. in my whole life I had never played a musical instrument, not even a piano despite our family owning a upright French Metal framed Piano Circa late 1800's, that was there from the day I was born, for over 50 years of my 72 years alive. b. around 2012, on way back home after visiting the love of my life for +18 years, whom was yet again back in Hospital, I stopped at small 6 shop, shopping center; in Ringwood East, Victoria, Aust. for some food. Low and behold there was a new to me, Second Hand Collectables and Antique Treasure Chest Store that I could not resist looking it to. After wandering around for a while, this musical instrument caught my eye. I was in a locked cabinet. The owner got it out, I cautiously explored it. I own many unique antique things, some family heirlooms, others I bought during my World travels with work. I had retired and this item was expensive for me at time, being approx $300, which was a due car registration payment. However "It" called me as I cautiously tired to coax sounds from it. Bottom line I purchased this instrument with an over a number of months payment plan. I am led to understand is a French Flutina style circa 1860's ? made by or sold by W. Winrow & Sons Accordeon Makes, Hollow Stone, Nottingham UK. per a label I located inside it. It needs some TLC, and I have the life learnt practical skills to restore it. But I know there will be things Artisans that work with the materials the Bellows and Reeds are made of, can guide me about. FYI what is the safest and best long term methods and materials/chemicals that would not degrade nor react badly with the what materials this beautiful instrument is made from. I have started to read though the Forum posts last year and felt 2nd half of 2024 is now the time to allocate some hours/days to repair this instrument to playing order, then learn to play it over the next few years. I have fallen in love with the musical piece Comptine d'Un Autre Été, and wonder how this could sound with this instrument ? Of course the old adage of walk before your run applies, + my 72yo fingers are not as flexible as they were in my youth. I have attached some photos I took over 6 years ago; plus the link to my Imgur post from the time. Sorry for their poor quality, & I need to take some new photos with a better camera. Again thank you for looking at my post. https://imgur.com/a/ckQay