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Folklore: W Jefferies concertina maker

14 Aug 09 - 12:56 PM (#2700266)
Subject: Folklore: W. Jefferies concertina maker
From: reggie miles

I've done some research but given that we have an international community represented at MudCat, particularly those from the UK, I wondered if perhaps someone else might know more that they'd be willing to share. On the instrument, below the name of the maker, it has an address - 38. Craven Park London. N.W.

I found this W. Jeffries concertinas which happens to look very similar to one that I've seen pictured on London's craigslist last month under the category "musical instruments" for sale. The difference being that the one listed was made by C Jeffries. However, given that mine is so very similar, it made me wonder who this person might be and how he was related to the C (Charles) Jeffries.

Here's a link to the July 17th 2009 ad on craigslist.

http://london.craigslist.co.uk/msg/1274518177.html


14 Aug 09 - 01:13 PM (#2700276)
Subject: RE: Folklore: W Jefferies concertina maker
From: Mick Pearce (MCP)

Have a look at this: Charles Jeffries: the Man and His Family and you'll find what you want to know about William (including that address!).

Mick


14 Aug 09 - 01:13 PM (#2700277)
Subject: RE: Folklore: W Jefferies concertina maker
From: The Sandman

go to concertina net.
its full of concertina history experts,someone will be able to help you there.


14 Aug 09 - 02:20 PM (#2700323)
Subject: RE: Folklore: W Jefferies concertina maker
From: reggie miles

Thanks Mick. I went there earlier and found the reference to William as his son but not about that address until I took a closer look. It appears that William moved there in 1906.

Thanks Captain. I'll check it out.


14 Aug 09 - 02:54 PM (#2700351)
Subject: RE: Folklore: W Jefferies concertina maker
From: Surreysinger

I am assuming you have looked at the relevant section of the concertina.com website ? Good luck with your hunting!


14 Aug 09 - 09:02 PM (#2700628)
Subject: RE: Folklore: W Jefferies concertina maker
From: reggie miles

I went to concertina.net but it appears to take a while to get registered and therefore allowing me to explore thoroughly and post my questions there. Thanks again Captain.

Yep Surreysinger, I've been there and discovered a few facts but not much. Given that W (William) had such a noted dad as a maker, I guess it's not unusual that his contributions might not be as celebrated or noted. Thanks for your response.


14 Aug 09 - 10:00 PM (#2700661)
Subject: RE: Folklore: W Jefferies concertina maker
From: Surreysinger

Sorry - I 've just realised that the link I gave you was the same one that Mick provided. However, having just gone into the search section of C.net forum, I came up with this thread, which may have been what you were trying to find?? C Jeffries History of Makers


14 Aug 09 - 10:10 PM (#2700666)
Subject: RE: Folklore: W Jefferies concertina maker
From: Surreysinger

Actually I just googled the address and the name and this c.net thread appears to REALLY be the one you want ... W Jeffries concertina query
Stephen Chambers has suggested that concertinas from this maker are extremely rare, as far as I can see.


15 Aug 09 - 01:59 AM (#2700731)
Subject: RE: Folklore: W Jefferies concertina maker
From: reggie miles

Many thanks Surreysinger. Well, rare is good, I guess.

Within the handle on the leather case was a bit of twine that the leather handle was formed around. Around the piece of twine was wrapped two small pieces of old news paper. I managed to pull the 3" piece of twine out of the handle and unwound the news paper to see if there was some clue as to the date on the paper. A tiny bit of the sports section mentioned the Barnsley Club. Historically this club was started in the late 1880s. I also found an ad for Nelson Liners. That line of ships dates from the late 1890s to the early 1900s. So, it seems that historically this instrument must be from that period. At least, the case dates from that era.

This instrument has 24 buttons per side.


15 Aug 09 - 02:49 AM (#2700739)
Subject: RE: Folklore: W Jefferies concertina maker
From: Alan Day

This is very interesting and when you have joined c.net please post some pictures of the instrument and your little pieces of paper.
This will bring forth discussion and you may find out a little more about this rare instrument.
Al