Lachenal 'tutor' Model? Researching Its History

[johnconstable]

I've just bought a Lachenal 'Tutor' model and I want to research its history.

 

I'm not even sure if this is the correct term for the model or if this just means its a cheaper model for students.

 

It is a 48 key English, 4-fold bellows, lettered buttons, accidentals black, Cs red and the others white, no bellows button, and the number 12732. The ends look rosewood-coloured but I don't think the wood is actually rosewood.

 

Any hints on resources I can use to research its history would be gratefully received.

 

piccy attached!

[wes williams]

Any hints on resources I can use to research its history would be gratefully received.

There is nothing available that will let you research individual instruments. But here are a few notes that might help.

 

1. If the serial number is correct, this instrument would have been made prior to

the name change to Lachenal & Co (c.1873). If you look on the reed pans inside the instrument you may find paper circles, and I would expect those to read "Louis Lachenal" if still original. Wheatstone records show a few Lachenal instruments with serial numbers sub 10,000 selling in the early years of the 1860s.

 

2. As the label reads Lachenal & Co, it suggests that the instrument was returned to Lachenal for repair or service, and a new label was fitted. But todays repairers/restorers will often add "missing" labels.

 

3. I've not seen the term "Tutor Model" used by Lachenal, but its normally used to suggest the basic model - mahogany ends, bone keys, paper covered deal case. There has been a recent discussion on models, see Lachenal Models which should give you plenty of info.

 

good luck - wes