WTB: Crane Duet Concertina (Shipping to China)

[Shuenhoy]

Hi everyone,

I have been very curious about playing a duet concertina, so I have decided to look for a 45, 48, or 55-key Crane (or 5CC, but I don't think there would be one). My budget is up to 2100 GBP, including shipping to mainland China, depending on the model and condition of the instrument.

Given the long-distance shipping, I have a few specific requirements:

- Condition: Be in fully playable condition and tuned to concert pitch (A=440Hz). No immediate work should be needed on the reeds, bellows, or actions.
- Wood/Material: The ends MUST NOT be rosewood or any other wood listed in the CITES appendices. Something safe like ebonized pearwood is ideal. I understand these are pre-CITES vintage instruments, but I want to avoid the hassle of obtaining government permits for customs.
- Shipping: Be shipped via postal channels (e.g., Royal Mail in the UK or USPS in the US) rather than commercial couriers like UPS or FedEx. Customs clearance in China is significantly easier for postal packages.
- Payment: PayPal Goods & Services.

I am aware there is currently a late Wheatstone Crane (serial 34xxx) listed on concertina.co.uk, but I would like to see what other options are out there.

I am not in a rush, as I am currently enjoying my new Eiru Silver. However, if I could find one that arrives by the end of May, I would really appreciate it, as I can treat it as a celebration gift for my PhD graduation in June!

Best regards,
Haoran Sun
 

[4to5to6]

I have a couple waiting to be restored if you can wait a few more months.  I just moved and am still struggling to get my workshop set up.  One is a very, very nice 55 key ebony ended prime period Edeophone, the other is an inexpensive early 48 key Lachenal.  Both are in great condition with original cases that just need the regular go through and tuning to A440.

[Shuenhoy]

6 hours ago, 4to5to6 said:

I have a couple waiting to be restored if you can wait a few more months.  I just moved and am still struggling to get my workshop set up.  One is a very, very nice 55 key ebony ended prime period Edeophone, the other is an inexpensive early 48 key Lachenal.  Both are in great condition with original cases that just need the regular go through and tuning to A440.

Yeah, I can wait if that is the right instrument. Could you estimate prices for them?

 

I would also like to see their photos. Could you post some here or send to my email shuenhoy@gmail.com? Thanks.

[DaveRo]

I sold a concertina from the UK to China a couple of years ago. I required the buyer to arrange the shipping. That way, if it got stuck in Chinese customs the buyer could deal with them. He sent me a pdf of the labels and custem declaration and arranged for collection.

 

I used the same procedure when I bought one from a guy in Canada, so that I could deal with UK customs.

[4to5to6]

 

7 hours ago, Shuenhoy said:

Yeah, I can wait if that is the right instrument. Could you estimate prices for them?

 

I would also like to see their photos. Could you post some here or send to my email shuenhoy@gmail.com? Thanks.

 

I'll send you an email when I have started working on them.