Any value to this accordian?

[Ddbaker76]

Hi there. I'm from Indiana and recently acquired a accordian and have no clue about them. I'm curious as to if it is of any value so I would appreciate if one of you accordian heads could give me some advice?? It says Soprani Inc. Made in Italy and I believe the number is 24184.

Thank you for your help!

 

[Dingo40]

Hi Ddbaker and welcome!
I have to say it doesn't look good.
Not only is it very old (late 1920s to early 1930s)
but also it looks to be in quite poor shape : whatever you paid for it, the expenses are only likely to multiply from now.
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news but, personally I wouldn't mess with it.
But hey, each to his own!
Look at how many people enjoy restoring old cars and motorcycles.

 

[JerryPH]

Without even going in to the important parts of the accordion (the insides) the physical damage to the outside is severe enough that just to address those, is already going to cost more than the accordion's value and I can almost guarantee that the insides will require more work, and that is where the $$ will start to rise even further.

Sadly, the only value this once lovely box now has is as a learning tool for others (perhaps even yourself?) to learn from and experiment with or serve as a possible decorative piece.

 

[Tom]

Sadly, I agree with Dingo and Jerry. It appears to be in pretty rough shape. Is it playable? Ie, does it make noise when you open and close the bellows and push keys or buttons? Does it have a strong odor, as if it’s been stored away for many years? These older accordions can be fun restoration projects as has been mentioned. If I came across it, I would probably offer in the $25 range if all the parts are there.

 

[Ddbaker76]

Thank you guys! Yes surprisingly it does make noise! Lol. I only have $10 in it so. I honestly just liked the box it was in lol! But thank you for your honest and quick reply!

Darci Baker

 

[32251]

Thank you guys! Yes surprisingly it does make noise! Lol. I only have $10 in it so. I honestly just liked the box it was in lol! But thank you for your honest and quick reply!

Darci Baker

$10 is great. Have fun with it. Anything you do will improve it and keep it out of the trash.

 

[Tom]

Could be a fun project for you. Good luck!

 

[dak]

I see a key sticking up: that tends to be a bad sign regarding the health of pallet felts that may have had encounters with entomical accordion fans. In plain English: felt is employed in accordions for padding/leveling of the pallets closing and opening the air supply to each note. This felt is considered food by some insect larvæ. An accordion in constant use will be unaffected since the vibration kills off the developing insects before they can do significant harm. An accordion in storage is imperiled.

It will be a really bad sign when the accordion produces tones in any registration when getting pushed or pulled without pressing a key or button. Does that happen?