Can you tell me about this Calvi Parma accordion?

[Innes]

Hi everyone. My parents are movibg house and Ive been helping them clear out the loft. I came across the Calvi Parma accordion that my dad used to play. He doesnt want it anymore as the the last time he played it was sometime in the early 80s. He said he had it when he was 13 so would be from early 60s but I didnt ask if he had it new or if he had got it second hand. Its in really good condition apart from the P is missing Parma and a couple of the keys stick a bit though would probable be ok after a clean. Its also in its original carry case. I was wondering if anyone can give me some more information about it and its likely selling price as well. Heres some pics.

http://i1020.photobucket.com/albums...B-0987-41DA-B599-20226CE3FEFA_zpsihnjs97b.jpg[/img][/url]

http://i1020.photobucket.com/albums...E-80C1-417E-95C8-8C316D248F42_zps59ybqznu.jpg[/img][/url]

http://i1020.photobucket.com/albums...3-4855-4171-9ACB-F7763DCFBD26_zps55z1tevu.jpg[/img][/url]

http://i1020.photobucket.com/albums...F-B50C-457C-B3E2-E2417BDA83BA_zpsm0qhwkzx.jpg[/img][/url]

http://i1020.photobucket.com/albums...1-BD12-4573-8A8F-72119CADD195_zpsxdub7vrb.jpg[/img][/url]

 

[JIM D.]

A clean looking Italian made student model accordion, Typical of the accordions imported to the US in the 50s and 60s for instructional use for a beginner accordionist. They showed up with many different badges applied. You might see an old post -- http://www.accordionists.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=528 -- A perfect instrument for the use of instruction for a young student, and can be played and enjoyed by a lady with small hands, as the keys themselves are much to small for an adult man. Most of these so called Golden Age Of Accordions were in the past rented, re-rented, and re-rented by music studios until repairs on them exceeded their value and then stripped for parts. And then some where purchased for a student use, and when the student failed to progress were kept and stored both properly and improperly. Of the total of these small Italian boxes made in this era - 30% were used to their extinction, 60% were stored improperly and fit only for the landfill, and 10% remain for proper use. There is still a market for these in good shape as their construction is much superior to similar Chinese boxs made today. You can still find them for (in good shape) for $100 to $250 USD. The on you have here is a 2 reed LM treble and a 4 reed bass.

 

[Innes]

Thanks Jim that's really useful information. That ties in with what my dad used it for. It seems in really good condition. The only thing I can see that will effect it's play is the sticking keys. Do accordions need 'servicing' to keep them running properly? I think I'm going to have to find some one local who knows what they're doing if so.

 

[JIM D.]

A good read of -- http://www.accordionrevival.com/ACCORDION_REPAIR1.php#Freeing_sticking_keys

 

[AccordionUprising]

Not a helpful comment, but wow, those are some of the nicest "What is this accordion?" pictures I've ever seen.

You should hire yourself out to other people with lost instruments.

 

[Innes]

Thanks Jim. Ive had a look and Im not too confident about removing the keys but thanks for the pointer. I

ve found a guy who may be able to help me whos not to far away so will email him today.

http://www.squeezydoesit.com

Looking at what he does he may even buy it for his shop but we will see. Id love it to go to a new home where itll get used.

The photos were taken with an iPhone 6+. Its got a very good sensor and lens!

 

[Innes]

I've heard back from the local accordian guy and it wasnt very positive:

Hi, Unfortunately it's not the type of instrument which sells well (LM reeds are no longer in fashion) and although it looks to be in good condition on the outside, the wax, leather and felt components inside deteriorate and will need replacing at considerable cost, certainly far more than it's worth. I've just sold a Boselli on ebay for £125 that I restored at a cost of over £400!

I think I need to take it to some one who can check its playability and go from there.