Lovely antique accordion made by Frederick Gessner. This accordion measures 14 x 14 x 7 inches. weight is 8 pounds 3 ounces. It has an original patent tag with number 318,242 for the United States, which was issued on May 19, 1885. It has two rows of reeds and I read on the patent, this was a special design to avoid an interruption of music. The instrument was designed with an auxiliary wind chest for the reeds, which receives air from the bellows by one or more openings (which are closed or opened by a spring-valve operated by the outside of the frame within easy reach to the musician's hand). On this piece, I can see the knobs on one side, two of them. One has a decorative top piece missing. Both of the knobs are firm in place and I don't want to damage it by moving them. I was able to find one example online in a museum, noting it was a very early model in the collection.
On the reed side, there are three brass button tops missing. The reeds themselves, there are two pads missing but one is included and no longer attached and can be repaired.
I also read there were several steps to produce the lovely paper work border, some 14 different colors. The wood paneling appears to be walnut burl veneer. The colors are still bright and vibrant. The bellows all appear to be working well, I can easily extend and play the instrument with such a sweet sound (despite missing reed pads). There are four brass pad knobs on the other side and one is partial (showing the wire).
The bellows claps still work well. The piece needs some TLC and does have edge wear, wood scuffing, scratches and light dents. Such a lovely beautiful instrument though, and to think it traveled by sea from Germany to the U.S. and found its' way to Midwest Missouri where I found it. The owner probably played some lovely tunes and cherished this beautifully-crafted instrument. If you have any questions please feel free to ask. Enjoy!
We've been on eBay since 1997, from the days of Pez. There's nothing more disappointing for a buyer who plans to wait to bid on an item, then suddenly poof, it's ended and gone. We believe in the spirit of a true auction and we never end our auctions early. Thank you for your understanding and enjoy!