Can someone identify this Lachenal Model.

[Stephen Chambers]

2 hours ago, wes williams said:

Thanks for that Mike - there is a Crane in our database with exactly the same number, so another bit of evidence that Maccanns and Cranes started with different series of numbers.

 

I'll just add that Maccann #836 would date from the end of 1890, whilst Crane #836 would be 1910.

[Clive Thorne]

Even more thanks all for all the information.

 

One final question. Can anyone say where this instrument might have sat in the quality league? Particularly with regards to the reeds I guess.

 

Is it worth restoring as it is, or would it better to "repurpose" it?

 

Clive.

 

 

[Stephen Chambers]

On 9/24/2022 at 4:50 PM, Clive Thorne said:

One final question. Can anyone say where this instrument might have sat in the quality league? Particularly with regards to the reeds I guess.

 

That's hard to say with the original ends missing, but a photo of the reed-pans (showing the chamois gasket) might give me a clue...

[Clive Thorne]

Here you are Stephen.

 

I take it that the darkening of mush of the chamois means that it has been leaking?

 

Clive.

Edited September 25, 2022 by Clive Thorne

[Stephen Chambers]

1 hour ago, Clive Thorne said:

Here you are Stephen.

 

Thanks Clive, that confirms that the instrument started out as one of middling quality, not a professional instrument.

 

Quote

I take it that the darkening of mush of the chamois means that it has been leaking?

 

Yes, quite likely as a result of corner support blocks coming unglued.

[Clive Thorne]

Yet again many thanks. I'll settle for middling quality as, as a 46 key Maccann, I had assumed it was pretty much a starter instrument.

 

Also as a middling instrument I won't feel so bad if I do end up "Repurposing" it.

 

Edited September 26, 2022 by Clive Thorne

[Stephen Chambers]

12 hours ago, Clive Thorne said:

... as a 46 key Maccann, I had assumed it was pretty much a starter instrument.

 

You'll find even top-quality Aeolas, Edeophones, and New Model Maccanns in 46-key.

[Clive Thorne]

Thanks Stephen,

 

Everyday a school day.

 

Clive.