Anglo Concertina & Accordions
in Helsingør Library display


Photos by Jim Lucas
Note: full-size photos are 75-200 Kb each.


I'm hoping that more knowledgeable individuals will be able to use the details in the photos to identify makers and approximate ages of these instruments.

Click on any photo to view a higher-resolution version of the same,
but be aware that they are not small files.

General commentary can be found below the arrays of small photos.
Or click here.





The two accordions in the display case.


The old anglo concertina.




Top side of right-end reed pan.




Top side of right-end reed pan.




Serial no. on right-end reed pan.





Right-hand end.
Apparently with a new coat of varnish.




Extended bellows, showing papers.




Left-end action.
"New" pads are inadequate.





Looking into left bellows end.




Top side of left-end reed pan.




Bottom side of left-end reed pan.


The old one-row button accordion.




Melody keyboard side.




Bass side.




Front view.
Mainly to show the bellows.


The very old two-row button accordion.




Melody keyboard side.




Bass side.




Front view.




General Commentary


On a visit to the music division of the library here in Helsingør (Elsinore), Denmark, I encountered their new display, consisting of various old books and sheet music for accordion, and a trio of instruments. These are an old 1-row button accordion, a very old 2-row button accordion, and -- to my surprise and delight -- an old English-made 20-buttton anglo concertina. Inquiring, I was introduced to the instruments' owner, and was allowed to take some pictures, including the anglo in a disassembled state.

Both ends of the anglo are marked internally with the number 3116, apparently a serial number, but there is no other indication of the maker's identity. I'm hoping that more knowledgeable individuals will be able to use the details in the photos to identify the maker and approximate age of the instrument.

Accordions are not my passion, but I took some external photos, since I know others would be interested. And frankly, I'm curious about the 2-row, myself. It belonged to the current owner's great grandfather, and must have been quite wonderful when it was new.

None of these instruments is currently playable, though I personally feel that they all deserve to be restored. The anglo clearly has had work done on it in the past, but desperately needs new pads, and bushings in the button holes, at the very least. I've offered to restore it to playable condition after the library puts up its new display.

Foolish me, I neglected to try to determine the keys these instruments play in. I'll try to remember that next time I see them. And that should be soon, since the library's only a 10-minute walk from my apartment. :-)