C Jeffries - help please

[Guest]

Hiya,

I inherited this concertina from my Nan who passed away.  I always remember as a child, her telling me it was her fathers.

Can anyone point me in the direction of the model or anything about it?

I obviously don’t play, so at some point would like to see it go to a home for the right price.  I see a lot of different prices and wouldn’t know where to start.  Any information would be truly appreciated. 🤔🤔🙂🙂 

[Guest]

[Jim Besser]

Well, it's a 30 button Jeffries Anglo, probably fairly early.  Value depends to a great extent on condition, but in any event it's worth significant money.

 

The top dealer in the world is Barleycorn Concertinas in the UK; you can go to their site to get a rough idea of the value of a restored/fully functional Jeffries. 

Depending on where you're located, you can probably find an experienced player who can give it a try and give you an idea of its condition.  If you're anywhere near a dealer like Barleycorn in the UK Tedrow or Jowaisis  in the US, etc., all the better to get an expert evaluation.

 

You also need to find out the keys - ie C/G,  G/D, Bb/F.

 

Even an instrument that requires significant work is pretty valuable, so get as much information as you can before making any decisions.

 

Edited October 27, 2023 by Jim Besser

[Guest]

Thank you so much Jim.  Will certainly do a bit more digging and look at the UK website 👍👍

 

[mChavez]

Given that it's been passed down several generations, may I suggest giving a go at learning to play it?

You'll likely get more enjoyment out of it than from whatever cash you can get from the sale.

 

Just a thought.

[Alex West]

Whereabouts in the world are you Pete?  As Jim says, Barleycorn are the most well known dealer but there are plenty of experts on the site and with any luck someone will be close enough to give you a face-to-face opinion before you make any decisions

 

Alex West

[Ken_Coles]

Very nice! Many of us wish we had a family instrument with such a story, so do give a try before passing it on! Welcome aboard in any case.

 

Ken

[Jake Middleton-Metcalfe]

private message sent

 

[Guest]

Thank you all for your kind messages and sharing your knowledge and contacts.  I made a trip to Warminster yesterday to speak with Colin and his lovely wife.  It was great to hear the history of the instrument and see it played - a truly lovely afternoon.  I think I have all the information I need to now, and given I am musically challenged will be posting on the buy and sell forum very soon.  Thank you again for all your comments.