Alex West Posted January 4 Share Posted January 4 This nice little 26 key concertina has come my way recently. In most respects, it's identical to 26 key wooden ended Jeffries that I've seen before but: It's not stamped C Jeffries Maker on the sides of the action frame The levers are steel, not brass The bellows papers are the dot & cross Lachenal type papers It has a number 8115 stamped on the left and right action boards and reed pans The seller thought it was a G Jones, but my working assumption is that it's a Crabb, dating from the 1880s. The reeds are stamped as for a C/G but it sounds as though it's a Bb/F. The left hand lever layout as pictured is peculiar - I've not seen one quite like that before Any thoughts? Geoff? Alex West Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stephen Chambers Posted January 4 Share Posted January 4 Well, if it doesn't say C. Jeffries, Maker on it, I'd reckon it was a John Crabb - and the 4-digit number 8115 (from Geoff's data) would seem to confirm that, indicating it was made in 1878. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alex West Posted January 6 Author Share Posted January 6 Thanks Stephen For future reference - is Geoff's data here at cnet or do you have a personal copy? Alex West Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoffrey Crabb Posted January 6 Share Posted January 6 Hi Alex, I would accept that it is of Crabb manufacture and the date as Stephen has said. Fretwork patterns can sometimes cause confusion in Identifying a make. It was not uncommon among makers for the piercing work and indeed, the design, to be outsourced to those engaged in that trade. That is why some fretwork similarities appear on instruments of different make. The bellows paper used was readily available at the time, and the steel lever wire lessened the end price to £2-0-0.complete with black case. For the benefit of yourself and others, I have attached the latest updated version of my Crabb dating document. You will see that I have added 8115. I have also emended my Email address. Crabb Dating Doc as at 06.01.2024.docx 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alex West Posted January 6 Author Share Posted January 6 Many thanks Geoff - interesting details! Amazing that the bellows have survived relatively unscathed for 145 years! Alex West Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoffrey Crabb Posted January 7 Share Posted January 7 Your welcome Alex. Happy New Year Geoff Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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