C Jeffries Anglo For Sale

[johng]

Hi Everyone. I discovered this forum when I recently decided to sell my grandfather's concertina.

 

After some research and finally a visit last Thursday to Andrew Norman in Cardeston I have discovered that I have a

C JEFFRIES 38 button ANGLO. The end faces are solid Nickel on Black Maple imprinted with C JEFFRIES MAKER.

Andrew thinks the instrument was a G/D which has been modified down to a BARITONE F/C but it appears to be slightly sharp.

 

The instrument is quite unique in that it is 6.1/4inch in size. has it's own leather case.

it is a good quality instrument in "remarkably good condition" Aluminium hand bars are cleverly folded over the wooden originals probably as a protection. "Surprisingly airtight as are the bellows"

 

Andrew is happy to be contacted about the instrument (01743 821872) and has given an estimate to retune , polish and clean at £310.

 

I have decided to sell the instrument as is to enable the buyer to tune to their own requirements. I have enclosed a number of photos and I have a video of Andrew playing the instrument which I haven't been able to upload but perhaps could email if interested. I will put the instrument up for sale on eBay at the end of February unless someone pursuades me otherwise. I do have other photos available. Contact me at johngadsden@onetel.com if you wish.

Edited January 29, 2008 by johng

[Dan Worrall]

John,

 

That is a very nice instrument, though I'm not in the market to buy.

 

It is always nice to see instruments with family ties. Could you tell us a bit about your grandfather? Was he its first owner? Where did he live? Did he play it in the military or mechant marine service? Any history of performing on it? What kind of music did he like to play?

 

I hope you don't mind me being so nosy! It's just that once the instrument changes hands, this community will never know about its owner and his history....stories we are fast losing. The vast majority of old instruments today are bought and sold without a history...yours is different.

 

Kind regards, and good luck in your search for a new home for it.

 

Dan

Edited January 29, 2008 by Dan Worrall

[johng]

Hi Dan. Grandfather died in 1941before I was born and therefore all the history is based on the family stories. He did serve in WWI where concertinas as you probably know provided the music for the troops marching songs. The family was not at all wealthy and it is very likely that he bought it second hand or even got paid for his work (as a cabinet maker) with it? We believe he was self taught playing "by ear". There is a story that he played the instrument on stage with Charlie Chaplin in one of the Hammersmith theatres, but I don't know how to research that. The family lived in and around Acton & Hammersmith in the early part of the century and the family home was only sold by my cousins last year.

 

Regards John,

[Dan Worrall]

John,

 

Many thanks! That's already a nice story. It would be a nice thing to print that out and put it in the case when you sell the instrument.

Chalie Chaplin played the concertina, by the way; your family story of your granfather playing it with Chaplin is not inconceivable.

 

Cheers,

Dan

[johng]

Hi Dan Based on your note yesterday I was thinking the self same thing myself and will put something in the case for the new owner. Possibly a small photo also. Might spend some time trying to find out more if I can.

Regards John

[doodle]

Hello johnq

I'd appreciate the opportunity to get more info. on the instrument. Can you contact me through PM on the forum or through riley.rhouse@virgin.net? No rush.

Cheers

Allan

[johng]

Hi Allan Sending you a email shortly with more pictures.

If anyone is interested in making an offer for this instrument I have to say that the timescale for making an offer is seriously reduced. Other members do want an answer to their offer within 24 hours or so from the time of this posting

Regards John

Edited February 1, 2008 by johng

[JimLucas]

If anyone is interested in making an offer for this instrument I have to say that the timescale for making an offer is seriously reduced. Other members do want an answer to their offer within 24 hours or so from the time of this posting

Note that you don't have to give them an answer in that short a time period.

 

Of course, if you want to, that's your choice, but with an instrument like that, you should have no trouble selling it at a good price, no matter when you decide to part with it. And before you accept any offer, make sure you know what "a good price" is. Do you know what "similar" instruments have sold for recently? If not, you might be very surprised!

[johng]

Hi Jim Thank you so much for taking the trouble to offer words of wisdom. It can sometimes be difficult to remain calm when put under pressure. In cases of an instrument like this it is difficult to know what it is worth to different people, both as an instrument to play (and/or) and retain as an investment. Out of respect for my grandad I should not be too hasty in letting the heirloom out of the family

Best Wishes John

[Leo]

Hi John

 

I should not be too hasty in letting the heirloom out of the family

Better words of wisdom, priceless. Have you considered learning to play it, and keeping it in the family?

 

As a start for research, you could put your grandfathers name on the bottom, and search here: http://footlightnotes.tripod.com/

 

Not all inclusive, but a good place to start. Also on the left are some good resources, especially the "other sites of interest"

 

Thanks

Leo

[Dirge]

If you're getting grief and it's getting too complicated put it on Ebay; if the buyers are keen and several let them fight it out. Last man standing gets it. Explain that it's the nearest you can find to a fair solution for everyone.

 

 

On past performance last man'll be Chris Algar...(which I always take to mean everyone else should offer more because he has to make a profit on HIS price.)

[johng]

Hi Leo Thanks for the note. Tried footlights with no results I'm sorry to say. I thought Lionel Gadsden might have come up as he was an actor who played Capn Hook in panto for many years apparently. Picked him up when researching family tree

Regards John

[johng]

Hi Dirge Thanks for that.

Regards John