Accordion

This is a French model, single-action, diatonic piano accordion with a rectangular-box-shaped, wooden case. The treble end-frame and the bass side hand-frame rim are scalloped. The instrument has nineteen treble keys made of wood with rectangular mother-of-pearl touchpieces, arranged in two rows. The round pallets are exposed and have brass shafts, and mother-of-pearl covers. The treble side has two long, pivoted-lever, chord-bass keys mounted on the handbar, which are made of brass. The bass side has two button-operated, brass bass keys with round, brass pallets, plus a large air valve key and pallet, also made of brass. The bellows have six-folds and are covered with dark-painted white leather and red patterned paper. Strong trading links between Nottingham's lace industry and Paris, led to the import of many French accordions in the second-half of the 19th century. Local enterprising firms, such as Jabez Gregory, were also agents for the London concertina makers and imported instruments from there. This instrument was used by Mr. Conrad Yost, near Rodborough, in the 19th century.