New "Old" Maccann Acquisition

[danersen]

Hello All,

 

I recently acquired a Wheatstone Aeola Maccann "giant" in truly extraordinary condition.

Every reed is virtually spot-on in concert pitch.

It has been wonderfully maintained over the years which was evident when I opened it up to find the serial number as the metal s/n plate is missing.

Here is the Horniman/Dickinson entry:

 

July 9, 1925

No. 41

Duet N.P. Octo 81 keys

10-3/4

80

30691

 

All of the numbers are in the usual places and match.

There is an entry "R 20" to the right of the serial number on the bellows frame that I'm curious about.

Perhaps this is typical, and I've just never noticed it on others.

 

I am also curious what the "80" entry in the ledgers represents.

 

I will appreciate an explanation of the significance of this entries.

 

Also, might anyone know if Steve Dickinson can/will/might/has prepare a replacement serial number plate?

 

Thanks for your assistance.

 

Be Well,

 

Dan

[Stephen Chambers]

Hi Dan,

 

The last-but-one column in the ledger is for the batch numbers - these were stamped on the constituent parts of an instrument (adjacent to the R and L markings) to identify them while it was being made. So I think you should find that your R20 marking might actually read R80?

 

I don't know if Steve has any original number plates left in the "pointy" style (though he did manage to find an original name badge for one of mine, a few years ago), but it shouldn't be too hard to fabricate one and stamp the number into it.

 

By the way, did you notice that #30689 was for Percy Honri?

[danersen]

Hello Stephen,

 

Thank you for replying.

I appreciate your assistance and counsel.

Next time I open it up, I'll look more closely at that "80."

With you encouragement, I will be contacting Steve Dickinson about that s/n plate.

I didn't notice the entry re: Percy Honri.

Thanks for mentioning that.

 

Be Well,

Dan