Lachenal & Co Concertina

[Kenjr]

Hi .

I inherited a Concertina that belonged to my Grand dad a number of years ago.

He was 96 when he died and I am now age 73.

 

It is at the stage where I am thinking of which member of the family to pass it on to, or maybe place it for sale.

 

I have done some research on the net as to its age and value, but have not got a definitive view on either.

I think , going by the number that it may have been made in the earlier part of the 19th century, or late in the 18th century.

 

The number on the Concertina is 56679.

Maybe some of you have the knowledge to help me with these questions.

 

Regards

Ken.

New Zealand.

 

Photo's available if required.

 

[Mikefule]

The value will depend on a number of variables including:

Metal or wooden ends

Number of buttons, and whether they are metal, bone, etc.

What keys it is in (if it is an Anglo)

The length of the bellows (how many folds)

Overall condition

 

If you post a few photos, someone here may be able to give you some guidance.

[Geoff Wooff]

The age will also depend on which type of concertina it is because Lachenal's numbering system had seperate series for each type.

 

My guess; from the serial number, it is an 'English' dating from the 1920's..... but pictures will clarify , as Mikefule says.

[Kenjr]

Hi Mike.

 

Being just a newbie on this site, I am trying to find how to make an attachment so I can post pictures of my Concertina.

I cannot see any of "Attach" signs above.

 

Any suggestions please.

 

Ken.

[Geoff Wooff]

In the reply box there is a 'more reply options' button in the far bottom right. This will give you attachement facilities.... but there is a picture size limit .

[Kenjr]

Thank you Geoff.

 

I will send you two separate messages and as you said, the pics are to big to send together.

The concertina has got Patent London Concertina written on a plate, so your hunch is correct in that regard.

 

Ken

 

 

[Kenjr]

Number two photo..

 

Ken

[Dowright]

You suggest dating of 18th Century or early 19th Century--periods before the concertina was invented!

If the serial number is in fact 56679, the instrument was manufactured in about 1880.

However, it is important to check if a leading "1" is partly hidden behind the fretwork. If so, the serial number would be 156679, and the instrument would have been manufactured in about 1897.

I would suggest that you open one of the ends, where you will find the serial number stamped on the reed pan. In addition you will be able to see if it has steel or brass reeds--a fundamental element influencing value.