Good Things Come to Those Who Wait

[wschruba]

Found listed in a lot of antiques (some tchotchkes, some nice, some strange, but no less endearing; the antique brass fire hose nozzle was a nice touch):

 

I leapt on the lot just for the concertina--the owner didn't have any information on it, but i was willing to acquire more stuff to trip over in the house for it.

 

I arrived, looked it over, and saw that it was certainly a Lachenal 40-button.  

 

 

It looks like it was certainly played, but not played to death--the action was in fantastic condition for the age/apparent no maintenance.

 

The pads all need total replacement (well, really, only one or two NEED to be replaced, but in for a dime, in for a dollar), but the buttons are practically unworn, and their bushings are even in good condition.

 

 

There are two very minor cracks in the sound boards, but they are eminently repairable (one on each side).  There were obviously leaks in the instrument's past history, but it looks quite clean, overall.  Even the valve leathers are in excellent condition.

 

 

The bellows looks like it is original/intact, too.

 

And hey, I have a buffer that actually works now, so I don't need to buff my pianos by hand anymore.

[David Barnert]

Congratulations.

 

See my advice about those old vertical cases in this thread:

 

 

[wschruba]

David, thanks.  I hadn't particularly considered that, but it makes sense; it will be stored in a chemnitzer case while I am working on the case itself (which is in rough condition, as is usual).

[wunks]

Nice find!  I saw it but too far away for me😚

[SIMON GABRIELOW]

I never understood why there was a preference for those tightly fitting hexagonal shaped boxes, as they make getting instrument out very tricky. When I made mine, years ago, I made it square shaped so that it is easier to remove instrument, which leaves a little space where you can reach in more easily to remove.

 

 

[4to5to6]

Wow! Nice find.  Enjoy!

[Clive Thorne]

On 10/27/2024 at 4:24 PM, SIMON GABRIELOW said:

I never understood why there was a preference for those tightly fitting hexagonal shaped boxes, as they make getting instrument out very tricky. When I made mine, years ago, I made it square shaped so that it is easier to remove instrument, which leaves a little space where you can reach in more easily to remove.

 

 

Also gives storage for the essential bits and bobs. Especially the screwdriver!