Wolf & Co.

Wolf & Co. is known to exist for at least since 1911. The mother factory was located in Klingenthal (Saxony) and a second one was in Markhausen (Bohemia).

The shown instrument is a 130 voice single reed instrument in original rheinische Lage with zinc reed plates mounted on box shape reed chambers. The size is smaller than regular dual voice instruments: 20 cm height and 21 cm deep. The closed instrument is about 27 cm wide without the handle and buttons and 37 cm over all. In extended state it measures about 67 cm.

The pencil written serial number (156) is found inside each instrument cover. A round swiss customs stamp says ZOLL I-28 and indicates presumably the time the instrument was imported.

The buttons are made of wood and are partially capsuled with metal caps (original) like those used until World War I. Some of the buttons are simply painted with aluminum paint and have metal plates glued to the tips. Other buttons are not original and remade of aluminum with the advantage to having no friction with the wooden cover. The average button distance is 22 mm and indicates that it is not a children's study instrument.

The bellow has 10 folds each 26 mm deep and which are devided by one bellow frame (10/1). The bass dumper case is straight (no wave shape). The instrument sounds very similar to an english concertina due to the single reed construction and the large volume of the reed chambers. A sound example has been provided.

The owner of the bandoneon is Beat Muggli, Switzerland.

bass keyboard	treble keyboard
front view	player's side
valve lever	valve mechanics
valve plaque	bellow paper
bass mechanics	treble mechanics
bass mechanics side view	treble mechanics side view
bass reeds	treble reeds
bass reed detail	open bass reed pan side
bass reed pans	treble reed pans

There are a lot of photos and may take a while to generate, it will be worth the wait. *

We have been told by many, that this is a rare instrument. I was even advised to stop the auction because of its (could-be) rarity. We don't have any musical background. To me its an impressive looking antique, and I hope who ever wins it good luck. I would like to know something, if you will tell me, is there someplace I could have missed, where the makers name would be? Its a little late, but I would still be interested in your idea. All I found is: The mark under the keys in gold (see photo) it resembles a clover leaf symbol, with 2 fancy keys crossed inside on either side of FABRIK MARKE. I don't know what this means either. Other than that, I don't see any. Thanks for your email and yes you can use my photos of this bandoneon on your page. (they are jpgs- medium quality) Good luck and have a great day, Phyllisteen