Jeffries receipt

[DDF]

Did anyone here buy this in Bainbridges auction today.It would be interesting to see the original 1885 five guinea receipt that was included.

[Myrtle's cook]

I was interested in this too, but the auction house were unable to send me an image of it. Particularly interesting to know if it was the original bill of sale or one for resale.

 

At 5 guineas it reminds us how expensive these instruments were in their day. In the 1880s an agricultural labourer was paid around 13/- a week - so this concertina would have cost the equivalanet to eight week's wages. If we extrapolate forward, based on the UK national minimum wage of £6.08 and a 40 hour week, those eight weeks would earn £1945 (and never mind tax, NI etc!).

[Myrtle's cook]

Here are some more images of the concertina in question (if not the receipt) from the auction house. For 'eye candy' if nothing else...