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Need Help Identifying Old Concertina Accordion

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snw469686

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Hello everyone. I have this old concertina accordion that I inherited from my grandfather that I am looking to identify and get a value on. I will try and provide as much info as I have on it. My grandfather purchased this accordion in a first attempt to self teach himself the instrument. I believe he played around with it for a year or two but then it was stored away in the attic for decades. This was most likely purchased somewhere in Michigan or Canada, probably between 1970-1990. After looking all over the instrument, the only writing I can find is VARITONE and MADE in ITALY which appears to be etched in by hand. As far as I can tell, there is no writing on the box that it is stored in also. This accordion is absolutely gorgeous with gold and pearl inlays and accents. It is in perfect working condition. There is some old sheet music and music books in the case with the accordion as well.

I can take more pictures and upload them if needed for ID. Thanks everyone again and hope to hear from you accordion enthusiasts soon.


http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd394/snw469686/20150809_112636_3_zpsg4t0igzh.jpg[/img][/url]

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd394/snw469686/20150809_112659_zps5dbyjpqn.jpg[/img][/url]

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd394/snw469686/20150809_112757_zps8eqo00h3.jpg[/img][/url]

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd394/snw469686/20150809_112819_zpsilj815tp.jpg[/img][/url]

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd394/snw469686/20150809_112917_zpsjnszn0pn.jpg[/img][/url]

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd394/snw469686/20150809_113037_zpsucfwgzft.jpg[/img][/url]

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd394/snw469686/20150809_113056_zpselwwt7lt.jpg[/img][/url]

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd394/snw469686/20150809_113229_zpsety4fq2s.jpg[/img][/url]
 
What a fine looking instrument! I thought I knew a bit about free reeds but that's one I haven't come across. It looks similar to a bandoneon or a chemnitzer concertina, but both of those are normally rectangular, not hexagonal, (likewise Karlsfelder konzertina.) The button numbering looks like layout charts for a chemnitzer, and given where you say it comes from, that would be my guess, but I could well be wrong.
If it is a chemnitzer, I hope you like polkas!

It's clearly concertina family rather than accordion, so as Soulsaver says, the friendly folk at concertina.net are the ones to ask.
Tom
 
Thanks again for the info, and I am very glad that everyone enjoyed seeing it. I have created an account at concertina.net but have to wait to be able to post a new topic. I am considering calling around to a couple local places that deal with accordions and concertinas to see if I can get some background info and a value. If anyone else has more info, please feel free to add. Thank you guys so much again. Talk to you soon
 
Interesting instrument. Are those switches near the thumb position on the right hand side? Can't quite see how they are labelled from your pic.
Does a button play the same note on the push and the pull?

There are knowledgeable members on Concertina.net that can probably help you. I'm looking forward to your post and their reply.
 
You have a 1980 to 1990 Italian made Cheminitzer. These were extremely well made and yours looks in pristine condition and very low mileage. These models originally sold for $5,000.00+ and yours should fetch between $2,500.00 to $3,000.00 USD in todays market. The design of this one is current and still in production.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chemnitzer_concertina :tup:
 
Very beautiful concertina

Some information and pics of a German hexagonal early Chemnitzer concertina in this photo gallery:
http://www.bandonion.info/de/solo,b-69.htm

26 cm high, for a total weight of 2,7 kg
with a clear picture of the inside reed plates

zink plates with steel reeds
 
Soulsaver said:
Youre welcome - you could try melodeon net too- there are a few who may know about concertinas on there, too. http://www.forum.melodeon.net/index.php?action=forum
Click to expand...

Thanks, just checked out that site. Unfortunately it looks like registration is closed for the forum. I will try again tomorrow.


Pat S. said:
Interesting instrument. Are those switches near the thumb position on the right hand side? Cant quite see how they are labelled from your pic.
Does a button play the same note on the push and the pull?

There are knowledgeable members on Concertina.net that can probably help you. Im looking forward to your post and their reply.
Click to expand...

If I am not mistaken, the switches are on the left hand side. The button plays different notes on push and pull
 
JIM D. said:
You have a 1980 to 1990 Italian made Cheminitzer. These were extremely well made and yours looks in pristine condition and very low mileage. These models originally sold for $5,000.00+ and yours should fetch between $2,500.00 to $3,000.00 USD in todays market. The design of this one is current and still in production.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chemnitzer_concertina :tup:
Click to expand...

Wow! That is outstanding news! Thank you so much for the info.

I have not posted it for sale yet or had anyone contact me about purchasing it.

I was wondering if anyone has sold a concertina online? Any suggestions or recommendations on the best shipping process in regards to how large and heavy it is? Best outlet to sell out of, i.e. forum/ebay/local music store? I am also worried about it being damaged during shipping. Does anyone have any suggestions on shipping methods/ materials to use?

Thanks everyone again for all the help.
 
New Ulm, Minnesota, is perhaps the Chemnitzer capital of the U.S.A., and Stradivarius is perhaps most likely the maker of this.
 
Concertinamusic.com is sort of a directory of Chemnitzer players.
 
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