Very old Lachenal

[cassiek]

Hi--some of you may remember Mike Crowe and me from Noel Hill's concertina school in New York state a few years ago. I live in Beloit, WI, and last fall, I was astounded to see a Lachenal concertina languishing in a display case at a local antique mall. It had belonged to the owner's mother-in-law. I knew it had not been played for awhile by some sharp detective work: the ends were fastened on in opposite directions. Mike C, of Keys and Squeeze in Illinois, worked on it for me. I have the parts list for all he did. Although a little leaky (compared to my Wheatstone), it is in playing order. Mike played it for me when he delivered it to me last week, I have sat and fooled with it. So, here's the information:

Lachenal serial number 10080 20-button, C/G 6 fold bellows, dark green leather with papers. Original wooden case, although the case has no handle and the latch doesn't work.

 

I can post a couple of pictures, or sent extensive ones to anyone interested. Before I post an official ad for it, I am asking to pick your brains a little. How much do you think it's worth? I am looking at a fair price, mostly to recoup my own expenses. Is it really as old as the chart on this site indicates?? Where would you begin to look for a buyer? Any, all thoughts are welcome. Thanks so much. Cassie

[Bill N]

I can post a couple of pictures, or sent extensive ones to anyone interested. Before I post an official ad for it, I am asking to pick your brains a little. How much do you think it's worth? I am looking at a fair price, mostly to recoup my own expenses. Is it really as old as the chart on this site indicates?? Where would you begin to look for a buyer? Any, all thoughts are welcome. Thanks so much. Cassie

 

 

What sort of shape is it in? Steel or brass reeds? Rosewood or mahogany? I have a 20 button in very nice restored condition, steel reeds & rosewood ends, which plays very well. I can PM you what I paid for it, which I think was a fair price. You might be disappointed though, the 20 buttons aren't very sought after. Why not keep it ? I use mine for camping, canoe trips, hikes etc.

[cassiek]

I can post a couple of pictures, or sent extensive ones to anyone interested. Before I post an official ad for it, I am asking to pick your brains a little. How much do you think it's worth? I am looking at a fair price, mostly to recoup my own expenses. Is it really as old as the chart on this site indicates?? Where would you begin to look for a buyer? Any, all thoughts are welcome. Thanks so much. Cassie

 

 

What sort of shape is it in? Steel or brass reeds? Rosewood or mahogany? I have a 20 button in very nice restored condition, steel reeds & rosewood ends, which plays very well. I can PM you what I paid for it, which I think was a fair price. You might be disappointed though, the 20 buttons aren't very sought after. Why not keep it ? I use mine for camping, canoe trips, hikes etc.

 

Thanks, Bill--I may just about be able to break even if I sell it. It was a risk I took, but it made me sad to see it sitting there put together wrong. We'll see--I may put it out on e-bay, but I don't have to make up my mind right now. Thanks for your honest reply. Well. I made the dealer and Mike happy, I guess...although the dealer thought she was giving me a great bargain by coming down on the price...cheers!~

[cassiek]

This concertina has now been restored by Mike Crowe of Keys and Squeeze in Illinois. I am going to ask $700 dollars for it, and will supply pictures of inside and out to show Mike's work. I have played it, and like the sound very much. Yes, it is only a 20 button, but it has a sweet voice.