Combination of being a new member to Mudcat and having had to go away for a month, can I send a much belated THANKS to all you great guys and guy-esses for feedback on my quest to find more facts on melodeons actually having been used at sea. Wow! Came back to find so much help!
I had asked somebody to print out thread and replies, luckily, as I don't seem to be able to access thread again (14th April), but I've so much to go on, including direction to find papers ec, which I'm in process of doing.

THANK you ALL and apologies for seeming rudeness!

Rog Smith
Devon Smudge