Burnt Oak Posted August 11, 2009 Share Posted August 11, 2009 This is my first entry on this site, so I hope I am in the right section. Anyway, I have a Wheatstone Concertina 48-key that I am trying to get more info on and price for sale. The serial number is 2474. The only date I have found is on the two hinges on the box, which show "Sep271843" or "Sep2/1843". Any help much appreciated. Thx. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larry Stout Posted August 11, 2009 Share Posted August 11, 2009 I tried looking the serial number up in the Horiman archives (there's an ap for that at http://www.concertina.com/ledgers/lookup/index.htm ) and it doesn't show up. My early Wheatstone treble is number 2667. It dates from 1851 (it is in the ledgers). These very early Wheatstones tend to have brass reeds and Lachenal style action rather than the later Wheatstone riveted action. This makes them less valuable than you might expect given the age. They go for a modest price compared to other vintage models and often need restoration to make them playable, so condition is important in determining value. Pictures would help those who know more about these than I say more about the individual instrument you have. Still, I'm very fond of mine. It has a sweet tone aand is quiet enough to play late at night without bothering the neighbors. It isn't loud enough to play in a session in a crowded bar, though. It was my first vintage Wheatstone and I now have others to play in noisier environments. I still play it several times a week. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Burnt Oak Posted August 11, 2009 Author Share Posted August 11, 2009 (edited) Thx. It does have brass reeds and a very sweet tone. It was refurbished by The Button Box, Northampton, Massachusetts, USA 2 or 3 years ago. One reed and leather straps were replaced. What will be most important to me is that it goes to someone who will play it. Money is not my motive for selling. I will post some photos. Thx again. I research the Wheatstone sales ledgers and couldn't find 2474. I did find numbers very close (2467, 2469, etc) and they are all early 1851 entries. Edited August 11, 2009 by Burnt Oak Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Dunk Posted August 11, 2009 Share Posted August 11, 2009 2474 isn't in the ledgers (I have Wes William's excellent Ledger Search program). This isn't unusual, but it is very frustrating if you happen to have one of the missing serial numbers. P.S. Larry - Check your messages! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
allan atlas Posted August 12, 2009 Share Posted August 12, 2009 Dear Burnt Oak: would you be in touch with me about the concertina. . . . . .aatlas@gc.cuny.edu Allan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Burnt Oak Posted August 12, 2009 Author Share Posted August 12, 2009 Dear Burnt Oak: would you be in touch with me about the concertina. . . . . .aatlas@gc.cuny.edu Allan Sure. Have any more info on it? I'm charging my camera to take some photos. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Burnt Oak Posted August 12, 2009 Author Share Posted August 12, 2009 here r the photos i promised. As u can see the leather handle is missing from the case, as is the key lock. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larry Stout Posted August 12, 2009 Share Posted August 12, 2009 Looks like the twin to mine (# 2667). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stephen Chambers Posted August 13, 2009 Share Posted August 13, 2009 Looks like the twin to mine (# 2667). And a typical example of the model Louis Lachenal engineered for Wheatstone's, which first went into production in 1847, making it possible for concertinas to be sold at a lower price. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Burnt Oak Posted August 13, 2009 Author Share Posted August 13, 2009 Looks like the twin to mine (# 2667). And a typical example of the model Louis Lachenal engineered for Wheatstone's, which first went into production in 1847, making it possible for concertinas to be sold at a lower price. Can anyone help with pricing? Thx Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Dunk Posted August 13, 2009 Share Posted August 13, 2009 I think you'll struggle to find anyone here who's willing to put an actual price on this or any other concertina. You say you bought it from the Button Box two or three years ago so you know what you paid for it. Perhaps a member in the States might offer an opinion on the general trend of concertina values during that period and whether prices are significantly different now. I've heard the folks at the Button Box are really helpful, why not give them a call and ask for a bit of advice? Pete. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Burnt Oak Posted August 14, 2009 Author Share Posted August 14, 2009 I think you'll struggle to find anyone here who's willing to put an actual price on this or any other concertina. You say you bought it from the Button Box two or three years ago so you know what you paid for it. Perhaps a member in the States might offer an opinion on the general trend of concertina values during that period and whether prices are significantly different now. I've heard the folks at the Button Box are really helpful, why not give them a call and ask for a bit of advice? Pete. Thx. I didn't buy it from The Button Box; they refurbished it a few years ago. I bought it London about 40 years ago. Still, as I only live a few miles from The Button Box I'll take a ride and have a chat with them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Burnt Oak Posted August 26, 2009 Author Share Posted August 26, 2009 (edited) Thx to everyone for your guidance and suggestions; you are a very tight, insightful and helpful concertina community. As I still don’t have a clue about pricing (I spent many hours web surfing and prices are all over the place) I have decided to place it on eBay and see what the market tells me. Thx again. Steve Edited August 26, 2009 by Burnt Oak Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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