Accordiana identification

[HerbyG]

Hi there,
I'm new here and wondering if the collective may be able to help me. My wife recently inherited her father's vintage accordiana. We have no information on it other than her recollection of him playing it in his band in Alberta when she was a kid (now in her 50s) and the 'accordiana' label on the instrument.
We would like to determine the age, make/model and country of origin if possible.
We are new to the accordion world and from what we have gleaned it could be an Excelsior Accordiana built somewhere between 1940-70...however we could also be totally out to lunch.
Any info or direction that you can provide would be greatly appreciated.
We look forward to learning to play it regardless.
Cheers!

 

[JIM D.]

You must realize that this one is 85 to 90 years old. If it plays at all you will find the action is crude compared to models 60 years
old and up. Made in New York NY USA
I suggest you give this a read ----

PRE

 

[HerbyG]

You must realize that this one is 85 to 90 years old. If it plays at all you will find the action is crude compared to models 60 years
old and up. Made in New York NY USA
I suggest you give this a read ----

PRE

Thanks for the reply and great link Jim.
I'm certainly not a good judge of the action but all the buttons and keys work and it plays.
We do have the option to send it to a somewhat nearby accordion shop for an assessment.

 

[Dingo40]

Although Jim's referred you to an article on pre-ww2 instruments, this is more likely a late 1940s than 1930s built accordion. Obviously, at these ages, many potential problems will overlap.
A more serious factor could be it's relatively limited specifications. It really is rather entry level and you'll soon hit its limitations by way of keys and basses.?
For its age, it seems in very good cosmetic condition.
It's relative simplicity and robust build would make it a positive candidate for an overhaul, except you wouldn't make any profit on it.
You can gain some idea of it's internal condition by listening to all the notes and bases, odd clicks on changing bellows direction, rattles (as in loose items), non sounding notes/basses and degree of air compression.
On the other hand, its probably much better built than equivalent modern instruments and could be quite useful in restricted applications
( once restored).
These old instruments are eminently repairable, even by motivated amateurs (consumables and advice being reasonably available).?
Depends on what you want it for (shanties, jigs, gospel?), really.?

 

[HerbyG]

Thanks Dingo, I was also thinking it has more of a 40s look. Either way, it's old and will need some TLC for sure.
As for its limitations, that's not likely to be an issue as it's mostly for the nostalgia factor right now. Already seems like too many keys and buttons for us but if my wife or I out grow it in so far as abilities, we'll just have to get another one
We're not concerned with profit, just the sentimental value. Great to have that family connection. I inherited an old '67 acoustic guitar from my grandfather and it has its issues but still has its own lovely sound. That's kind of what we're thinking with this. I'm the bass player in a weekend warrior dad band and it may ultimately get used in some capacity there. None of us know how to play it but I suppose our keys guy would have a leg up in learning.
Cheers!