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Item Type: Concertina
| Summary | Labels and Serial Numbers | End Frets | Fingering System | Straps and Holding Devices | Fret Baffle | Action Board | Reeds and Reed Pans | Bellows | Case and Other |
Summary
Full Description: An early and unusual William Prowse 48-Key rosewood-ended English concertina, with unique shield-shaped fret features, and much modified and re-labelled reed-pans. Serial Nos 4 on most parts, with "4" and "8" on Reed Pan, with label absent. Serial Nos "4" & "8" on Reed Pan, , 5-fold green leather bellows, case missing. Pine board sub-fret baffles. The font size and positioning of both the "L" and "R" labels, and the serial numbers are extremely small, and these stamps appear on every level of the instrument, often stamped twice and side-by-side. Square-ended nickel-tongued reeds. Original green thumb-straps, original hexagonal rosewood-veneered case, with Keith, Prowse & Co label in lid. Serial Nos 4 on most parts, with "4" and "8" on Reed Pan.The bellows show none of the sharp leather folding of the early "Bookbinder's" Style, and are of 4-folds, and do not have the silk-reinforced bottom-bout to bellows-frame. Unlike the other two W Prowse instruments in the Collection (C.251 and C.252) the bellows cradle supports are not inset sheets of hardwood, but conventional triangular corner supports, stamped twice with a small-font "L" and "R". A previous 19th century owner has inserted serrated baffles into each individual outer reed-chamber, and a large annular serrated baffle into the bellows-frame secured under the six cradle corner pieces. The pans and action inner face are liberally adorned with large inked note-names and the added "below" word. The The bellows have the common "Gilt Crosses and dots" paper pattern, but most papers are overlain with sheets of translucent paper.
Concertina Summary: An early and unusual William Prowse 48-Key rosewood-ended English concertina, Serial Nos 4 on most parts, with "4" and "8" on Reed Pan, with label absent. Serial Nos 4 on most parts, with "4" and "8" on Reed Pan, 5-fold green leather bellows, case missing.
Owner or Collection: Concertina Museum, Belper
Maker: William Prowse
Maker Links: A good survey by Wes Williams of the Prowse family's various addresses and some noted instruments is at: http://www.concertinas.org.uk/others.htm#KeithProwse
Region of Manufacture: London
Main Maker's Label Wording: Absent - no Cartouche.
Principal Serial Number: 4 ,
System Type: 48-Key Treble English system
Source Catalogue No: The Concertina Museum Collection Ref:D-252.
