Rare 130 voice Instrument

The pictures of this instruments are taken with the permission of its owner, Mr. Phyllisteen and were published for an internet auction on July 1999 at eBay.

The shown instrument is a 130 voice single reed instrument in original rheinische Lage. Presumably it's from around 1910.

Extract from the auction description:

This early 1900 Bandonion has been high quality crafted. It is one beautiful musical instrument. It would make an excellent addition to any serious old musical instrument collection or museum acquisition. I know very little about items such as these. It was stored in an attic, to play it; it should be retuned and checked by a professional. This beautiful instrument has character; it has not been played for many, many years. I will leave it up to the experts, as they will know much more about this great piece. I will try to describe this impressive instrument as best I could.

The instrument comes with its original black textured case. The bandonion is a sharp looking piece, it measures closed: about 9 3/4 inches high, about 14 1/2 inches long and 9 inches wide. The cherry-wood is in great condition with only a few minor scratches. The leather straps and wood handle grips on the side, shows some age-wear (see photo). The ornate brackets are nickel or maybe silver, the pieces on the bellow edges are engraved with a swirl designed. All buttons have mother of pearl tops and they are all present. The top plate is beautiful with the Bandonion name. The bellows are cover have a plum colored background with gold leaf design with gold harps edged with black binding on edge. (See Photo) The bellows when extended produce smooth sound, with no breaks.

The case is in great condition, but show some minor age-wear. It measures about 10 1/2 inches high, 17 1/4 inches long and 11 inches wide. It is black with brass buttons. It has a double rope handle. The lock needs to be repaired and is missing the key. and the bracket has been open to slide a bar between to hold it shut (See photo). The inside of the case is lined with soft red material. A material strap show some age wear, it has a buckle with 2 nail prongs. It holds the Bandonion in place. There is also a few pages of sheet music for both playing Bandonions and concertinas

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general view of front and top	general view of front and top, bellow bent
open bellow	treble keyboard with trade mark
carrying ring of bellow	accompanying music
carrying case with instrument	closed carrying case