George Jones, Directions For Repairs

[Dowright]

Attached is George Jones,"Directions for Repairs," a card that Greg Jowaisas--well-known concertina repairer--found in the bottom of the case for a 30-key Jones concertina. Below is a transcript of the document, which may be more readable. It is interesting that, in fewer than 350 words, Jones describes how to work on the reeds and valves, mentions the 12-month warranty, indicates how to obtain spare springs, and gives maintenance guidance--store the instrument in a dry place [but not too dry!] and "do not rub the bellows on the dress."

 

 

GEORGE JONES Transcript

Patent Concertina Manufacturer,

350, COMMERCIAL ROAD, LONDON, E.

Established 1850___________________________________________

DIRECTIONS FOR REPAIRS.

LOOSEN the screws at the top or end of the Instrument, remove the same, and the draw-out notes or reeds will at once be seen. Should the pressing notes be required, place the thumb in the hole of the note-tray in the centre, and gently pull it out; they will be found on the opposite side, by pressing down the key of the defective note, and looking at the under side of the top, the open valve will direct you to the compartment where the note will be found. Should the same not answer the touch, raise the reed with a pin or small blade of a penknife. In most cases dust prevents the action; or, should it jar or rattle, draw out the entire brass frame, and wedge it with a thin piece of paper at the side. Sometimes the small leather valves draw in the cavity, they should be taken off and stouter ones placed in their stead, which will be sent on receipt of stamped directed envelope.

Should a note go flat, it may be tuned by filing it on the surface near the point; if too sharp, may be flattened by filing it near the block where screwed down; but if broken, take out the entire note frame, and send it with the octave, by post, with stamped directed envelope, it will be sent back by return.

Every Instrument is guaranteed for twelve months, therefore send the Registered No. of the same, which may be found on the underside of the top and on other parts.

On screwing the Instrument together take care the numbers meet at the same angle. Should a key-spring break, it may be replaced by taking out the screw on the under side of the top. Write for Springs, if required.

Keep the Instrument in a dry place, and do not rub the bellows on the dress, or the corners will wear through.

Should any further information be required, it will be forwarded on application.

PRICE LISTS FREE.

Rymer, Printer, Johnson Street, E.

Edited June 23, 2014 by Dowright

[malcolm clapp]

Makes it all sound so simple....

 

Today, such a document would have to include 5 or 6 paragraphs of health and safety instructions for using a screwdriver.

[asdormire]

Tell it, brother Malcolm, tell it.

[Terry McGee]

And be preceded by an instruction to "Read these instructions".

 

Thanks for sharing that Dowright (and Greg!) - great to see what the period makers thought was important enough to tell customers.

 

I wasn't actually planning to wear a dress today - perhaps that's what I'm doing wrong?

 

Terry

[Geoff Wooff]

And be preceded by an instruction to "Read these instructions".

 

Thanks for sharing that Dowright (and Greg!) - great to see what the period makers thought was important enough to tell customers.

 

I wasn't actually planning to wear a dress today - perhaps that's what I'm doing wrong?

 

Terry

Sounds like you are having cool weather Terry ? Best to wait for springtime then before getting your dresses out of moth balls!

[Dowright]

"the dress" could mean a lady's frock or pinafore, but more likely is intended to be gender neutral, meaning clothes, attire, or garment.

[JimLucas]

From George Jones' "Directions for Repairs":

Should a note go flat, it may be tuned by filing it on the surface near the point; if too sharp, may be flattened by filing it near the block where screwed down; but if broken, take out the entire note frame, and send it with the octave, by post, with stamped directed envelope, it will be sent back by return.

 

So Jones also kept ledgers or some other kind of records. Has anyone tried to track them down? Quite likely they were destroyed, and that would be a good assumption if no descendant still has them, but do we know for sure?

[Stephen Chambers]

Also available in pink:

 

 

I bought a 20-key Jones specially to get this Directions for Repairs card, which is the only other one I've ever seen, or heard of. It's something that I have mentioned previously.

[Dowright]

Stephen,

I am not surprised that you have one of these cards.

Your collection never fails to amaze me.

Moving all from Dublin to County Clare must have been an adventure.