Dating A Lachenal From The Serial Number

[Richard Mellish]

I don't disagree. I only asked.

[googe]

yes i cringed when i seen the labels, and advice on best way to remove with minimal damage?

[blatherskite]

Hi All,

I'm trying to date my Lachenal and Co English concertina. I'm having a little difficulty with the serial number, which appears to be 84122. I didn't know the English serial numbers went this high.

Here are some pertinent photos. I tried to zoom in on the number stamped on the R reed pan.

 

Many thanks!

 

Ed

 

[Theo]

I think the first digit is a 3.  The typeface often makes it difficult to distinguish between 3 and 8.

[wes williams]

Based on previous replies by Dowright (33598  ~1896, 36733  ~1898), 34122  would be circa 1897. The English system series maximum seems to be a bit above 60,000.

[blatherskite]

Thanks a million, that time frame makes a lot more sense to me!

 

[Paulsmith]

Hi  what year would serial 44543 be has 10 keys and 11 the other

[wes williams]

Hi Paul,

Your concertina is what we here would call a '20 key Anglo' as one button operates an air valve. But that means that the only way you can be certain of the number is by opening it up at one end and checking the number on the inside. We've found in many cases that the number visible from the outside has a preceding '1' which is hidden behind the fretwork.

[Paulsmith]

I please can date my serial number 44543, i believe it is a Lachenal but there is no clear makers mark it has 20 +1 keys.

[Paulsmith]

Update found English make trade mark on handle.

[David Aumann]

It's about 1877, but I defer to those who know more than me. It's the upper end model of Lachenal & Company's 20-key range. A very nice concertina.

[Paulsmith]

Thanks David, does anyone have an idea of the value?

 

[d.elliott]

The stamping on the flank of the palm rest is the Lachenal trade mark. I don't see the STEEL REEDs Stamping above the trade mark on the top of palm rest, so I assume it is brass reeded. You have a 20k Lachenal brass reeded Anglo, of a good grade but sadly in need of at least servicing to make it playable. If talking to a buyer I would suggest, and if the bellows are good, a budget of say £250/300 for servicing, plus the same again if new bellows are called for. In full fighting condition a brass reeded 20 key Anglo might be bought for £500/ 600. This assumes that the concertina is in Concert pitch A=440Hz. This may not be true, and if the instrument needs re-pitching, your service cost starts to look like a full restoration cost.

[Paulsmith]

Thanks Elliott, it does play, as you say may need service.

[trickcyclist]

Hi Chaps,

I have a 72b Lachenal Edeophone duet. Serial number is very faded but the best guess is 2748. Interestingly (and rather pleasingly to me) it has a riveted action. What's the best guess as to date of production?

[d.elliott]

From the number and other listings probably around 1908

[Matthew r j]

46958 serial number

[d.elliott]

Matthew,

English system or Anglo system of concertina? there were two parallel series of serial numbers. If you are not sure then post a pic of an end, or quote the number of buttons on each end.