Custom Built Accordion Identification

[jbrown178]

Hello, I recently purchased an accordion at a local auction. I don't know much about accordions but I am a guitar player so I sort of know what a nice instrument looks like. This accordion seems to be nice but I can't find out much information about it. I ran into the guy who owned the accordion and he told me it was built for his cousin. It says "Kay Mitchell" in the middle which he said was his cousin's name. Seems to have a serial number of 10960. So maybe it was built in 1960? I was just wondering what brand this would be, seems most custom built accordions have an accordion manufacturer's name on it. The man also told me this thing has seen "very little play time", which is what I was guessing when I first saw it. Any info on this would be greatly appreciated, and any ideas of what it might be worth. Thank you for reading.

 

[JerryPH]

From the little I can see, it's a mid-sized, 120 bass, 3 treble reed accordion. Hopefully some of the more experienced members here will offer you more info.

 

[jbrown178]

Thanks for the info and fast reply.

 

[Thomas N]

Definitely looks pre-1960 to me. That design looks like early 50's to me.

 

[nagant27]

What do the keys look like? Are they the waterfall style? I've seen similar accordions to this with waterfall keys.

 

[JIM D.]

No, not waterfall keys.
This one is a mediocre quality student model accordion - 3/4 reed 17" keyboard.
Looks like a Gabbanelli product of 1950 to 1960 vintage. Gabbanelli exported many of these to the US in this time period with different grill designs to suit many individual music dealers and music studios.
If you had not mentioned the origin of the name Kay Mitchell I would venture a guess that at some time in the past there was a Kay Mitchell Music School.
As far as use - some of the silver bellows tape has been replaced on the front of the bellows for whatever reason, and I don't doubt you will find tape replacement on the lower back and bottom of the bellows. Depending on the play-ability and the condition of the straps and case - this one can fetch between $250 to $500 in the US market.

Please note: The Gabbanelli firm I speak of here is the Italian firm 1926 - 1960 and not the US firm 1960 to present.

 

[jbrown178]

The accordion seems to play well. The case is in really good shape, looks to be leather and marked made in usa, has all the stitching intact as well as the original key. The straps are in really good shape as well.

Thanks for all the fast replies!

 

[nagant27]

Looks like it ended up here:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/VTG-1950s-o...319337?hash=item2cb06a53e9:g:ECkAAOSwhOdXo4B6