Concertina

Prototype English-system concertina. An instrument bearing a standard Wheatstone production number (no. 2019) has been prepared as a single action concertina fitted with special valves and a wind chest within the elaborate hinged and spring-loaded bellows, all designed to enable legato playing on a single action instrument. Flat mahogany ends, 6.19in/157mm across parallel sides; simple frets with pine backing. 48 ivory buttons with black accidentals, stamped and bushed, the original vent hole amongst the buttons on the action has been sealed. Square-end brass reeds. The pan hole has ebony cross strut and traces of a leather valve flap, in use before the conversion to sprung bellows. Three rectangular hinged portions: one central portion feeding two adjacent wind chests, each spring loaded. Remains of black leather straps, one nickel screw remains. Oval paper label: ‘By Her [possibly ‘His’] Majesty’s Letters Patent/C. Wheatstone/Inventor/20 Conduit St., Regent St./London’. Serial number: 2019.