Which accordeon is this?

[LaidbackLuke]

Hi all,
I am new here on the forum and would like to ask you to help identify an accordeon I found when cleaning up the attic. I am a newbie when it comes to accordeons (I am a piano player and guitarist), so my clue is greatly appreciated ?.
Here are some pics:




Thanks so much!

 

[debra]

You may have more luck on melodeon.net as that is where diatonic players meet. That said, there may be a few members here who will also recognize this oldie.

 

[LaidbackLuke]

Thanks for taking the time to reply debra. I warned you all that I am a newbie as it turns out it’s called a melodeon LOL. Curious to see if anyone can identify the instrument

 

[Tom]

Welcome Luke, looks like a generic German instrument from pre WW 2. Could be a Hohner. These are variously called "diatonic button accordion", "concertina", "cheesebox," "squeezebox", "button box" and that's just the English.
Generally because they are so old, they are in pretty rough shape. If it plays well you can consider yourself very lucky!

 

[LaidbackLuke]

Thanks Tom for your reply. I am planning on selling it, as I think any instrument deserves to be played on, but any clue on its value?

 

[Tom]

Thanks Tom for your reply. I am planning on selling it, as I think any instrument deserves to be played on, but any clue on its value?

Hi Luke, unfortunately these older instruments generally don't play well due to age, especially after being stored in an attic. You didn't mention how (or if) it plays. If it's not playable, it's value is strictly as a cool looking antique, worth $50 - $100 around my neck of the woods, depending how it is marketed. If it plays well, has no smell, no rust, wax (if present) is decent, is in tune, and no air leakage, you could go $100 - $150. Good luck!

 

[JerryPH]

Just looking at the external condition, it looks really rough. The bellows have been patched up at least 2 times and the edges of the woodwork look cracked. Basically, the cost to bring it back to workable condition is likely 2-10 times more than the unit is worth, realistically speaking.

If you got $50 for it, it would be from someone else that is not very knowledgeable. As a mantle decoration or conversation piece, as is, may be around $20-$25. I say that because my uncle just picked up two very similar ones for $40 from a garage sale locally which came with a very cool story... both were identical units from twin brothers who used to play them decades ago, and both brothers had passed away within days of each other at the age of 94.

 

[Valski]

Just looking at the external condition, it looks really rough. The bellows have been patched up at least 2 times and the edges of the woodwork look cracked. Basically, the cost to bring it back to workable condition is likely 2-10 times more than the unit is worth, realistically speaking.

If you got $50 for it, it would be from someone else that is not very knowledgeable. As a mantle decoration or conversation piece, as is, may be around $20-$25. I say that because my uncle just picked up two very similar ones for $40 from a garage sale locally which came with a very cool story... both were identical units from twin brothers who used to play them decades ago, and both brothers had passed away within days of each other at the age of 94.

Agreed, just because an instrument is old does not mean that it's valuable. These were mass produced and were relatively inexpensive when new so they wouldn't somehow increase magically in value today. Perhaps you can use it as decoration.