G'day Jim,

What you have is a single row button accordion ... and, since it is a simple one with just the 2-button "semi-automatic" bass - it is a melodeon.

I made some suggestions about the different modes and styles for such an instrument on a thread about 4½ years back: Tips on single row button accordion

The breakdown I first gave was brief, because I knew that (the late) Rick Fielding was a very capable musician ... and he picked up quickly. If you know your way about the mouth organ ... well, that's the traditional (old) start for button accordion!

The box you have is almost certainly in "old high" tuning, aka "Kneller Hall" (British Military Music School) ... and that's A = 456 Hertz. It probably isn't worth getting retuned ... but have fun with it ... and you may go out and buy a better (-tuned) one!

Regards,

Bob