Concertinas At Auction

[Tom Hall]

I just stumbled onto this by accident and thought I would post it here for those who might be interested: http://search.sothebys.com/search/quickSea...e=E&catCheck=on

Edited October 30, 2003 by Tom Hall

[JimLucas]

Thanks for the reference. It looks like some interesting stuff, BUT...

 

At least two pictures don't match the instruments they're shown with (anglo picture for an English, and vice versa), and all those I looked at were lacking any description of condition. In addition, the CATALOGUE NOTE on lot #296 is nothing short of bizarre. That, plus the fact that I expect all the major dealers to be there bidding -- after examining the instruments, -- and I think I'll leave the bidding to them, though I might ask about one or two instruments afterward, since I expect them to be sold on.

[Alex West]

I've obtained the following additional information from Sothebys. Not completely helpful, but better than nothing. I've also asked them to find out what teh "home" keys are.

 

"Lot 309: A thirty-two button Anglo-German concertina by C. Jeffries,

London, circa 1900

 

bellows a little rubbed, buttons have a tendency to stick, hand straps are

not original and one is broken

Pitch: A = approx 440Hz

 

Lot 312: A thirty button Anglo-German system concertin by C.

Jeffries, London, circa 1900

 

syphoning extensicely, light rubbing, left strap a replacement, both strap

screw replaced by modern Philips screws but the original are in the case.

Case lid and handle detached

 

Lot 313: A thirty button Anglo-German system concertin by C.

Jeffries, London, circa 1900

 

leatherwork rubbed, f sharp/g sharp button syphoning, metalwork slight

corroded, straps replaced

 

Pitch: approx 435Hz."

 

All the spelling and grammar mistakes are Sothebys' own

 

Alex West

[JimLucas]

I've obtained the following additional information from Sothebys.

[...]

syphoning extensicely,...

Thanks, Alex. But I have no idea what the word "syphoning" means in this context. Do you? (Does it slurp up your drink when you're not looking? )

[Paul Groff]

Jim

 

I wonder if they meant "ciphering." This is a term (or the noun, cipher) organ repairmen use to describe a note that sounds without a key being depressed.

 

Paul

Edited November 6, 2003 by Paul Groff