An Imposter ??

[chris rowe]

We recently received the concertina below, as you can see it has a Crabb label in the cartouche (Gold ink on Black), however the serial number 47932 does not indicate Crabb, and the action is hooked levers the same as my Lachenal, if it is a Lachenal Tutor , what age ?

The instrument is in very good condition; the wear on the keys indicates it has been well used and cared for in the past, for the last 20 odd years it has been sitting in it's case un-played and has curled valves the same as my recent post in General Discussion. 

[Mike Acott]

A reason for the Crabb label may be that the box has been to the Crabb firm for a level of restoration, it may have been traded to the firm in part ex against a better box. Valid reason for that label.

Mike

[wes williams]

47932 on a Lachenal English would be estimated as circa 1908. But now I've seen your photo on the General Discussion thread that shows riveted reeds, which aren't Lachenal.

Edited August 14 by wes williams

[chris rowe]

Thanks Wes, the concertina in the General Discussion post is a Wheatstone hence the different reeds. 

[Stephen Chambers]

Not an imposter, but it wasn't by Crabb's either - it was their normal practice to re-badge instruments they had worked on and resold.