Where was this one made?

[Daniel Hersh]

It's on eBay at https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/155844189871 .    I'm guessing that it's a German imitation of an English-made concertina, but I know there are others here who would know better than me.

 

[Stephen Chambers]

On 10/24/2023 at 6:40 AM, Daniel Hersh said:

 I'm guessing that it's a German imitation of an English-made concertina ...

 

That's my suspicion too Daniel, in fact I've had a bid on it already, out of curiosity, but won't be going too high.

[Geoffrey Crabb]

Not personally having come across the name C Harris before as a maker, upon investigation:

a Charles Harris (b 1873) of 60 Sheep Street, Bicester, was found.

If ? this is the chap, then,

                In 1891 he is a General Dealer (with his father, James)

                By 1901, a Fellmonger (Dealer in hides)

                By1911 a Horse slaughterer ???

So, it seems his time as a general dealer was short. 

 

Some observations of mine concerning the subject concertina, attached.

German concertina Comparison German or English.docx

[Daniel Hersh]

Thanks, Stephen and Geoff!  It looks like we're all leaning toward German manufacture.  Stephen, if you do wind up buying it, please let us know what you find out.

[Takayuki YAGI]

I generally agree with the above view, but I think the quality of the bellows would be fine for German.

Anyway, I look forward to hearing more details.

[Stephen Chambers]

On 10/27/2023 at 2:09 AM, Daniel Hersh said:

Stephen, if you do wind up buying it, please let us know what you find out.

 

Sorry Daniel, but an early 44-key Wheatstone English concertina popped up in the meantime, so I had to buy that one instead...

 

[Stephen Chambers]

On 10/27/2023 at 2:09 AM, Daniel Hersh said:

Stephen, if you do wind up buying it, please let us know what you find out.

 

And (sorry to say) I'm very glad that I "kept my powder dry" Daniel, and bought the Wheatstone - I thought it was very early and it turns out to be #284, so probably February 1839, exquisitely-made and in all-original condition. ☺️

[Stephen Chambers]

On 10/26/2023 at 2:01 PM, Geoffrey Crabb said:

Some observations of mine concerning the subject concertina, attached.

German concertina Comparison German or English.docx 74.26 kB · 35 downloads

 

On 10/27/2023 at 2:09 AM, Daniel Hersh said:

Thanks, Stephen and Geoff!  It looks like we're all leaning toward German manufacture.  Stephen, 

 

Anyway, thinking about Geoff Crabb's observations, and looking at the photo again, I realised that I already have a very similar German-Anglo (rather than Anglo-German!) concertina, quite likely by the same maker, only with rosewood ends. Here are some photos:

 

[Daniel Hersh]

2 hours ago, Stephen Chambers said:

 

 

Anyway, thinking about Geoff Crabb's observations, and looking at the photo again, I realised that I already have a very similar German-Anglo (rather than Anglo-German!) concertina, quite likely by the same maker, only with rosewood ends. Here are some photos:

 

 

Thanks!  Am I right in thinking that's typical German construction except that it has English-style levers and rivets?

[Stephen Chambers]

13 hours ago, Daniel Hersh said:

 

Thanks!  Am I right in thinking that's typical German construction except that it has English-style levers and rivets?

 

An English-style mechanism, and leather-covered bellows.