Collection of accordians

[Bill Bryant]

Going through a pony wall in my apartment, I came across four accordians. My wife used to play, but physical limitations have taken that away, so she wants to move them on to others, including the fifth one in our house. Starting with this one, I believe to be a Hohner L’Italia, 41 keys, 120 bass. Can anyone help date this and give a value to it?

 

[Ben-jammin]

It is prewar. IMO, this is a vintage that to get more than $100 to $200 the instrument would likely need to be overhauled and sold with a clean bill of health from a reputable source. At that age the original components (including the wax that holds the reeds in) dry out and the instrument becomes less responsive and increasingly fragile. The cost to get an instrument like that overhauled will almost universally be more than it would be worth after the repair. People that buy these usually do so either to use as decor or to get practice repairing them.

 

[Bill Bryant]

Then I need to find such a person - I’d hate to just throw it away. I’ll check with my local museum, or college.

 

[Ventura]

i have paid $100 on pretty much shot accordions like that
just to get the case.. looks like a nice case in good condition..

the keyboard has so much irregular spacing even from a distant
view that i doubt it would be playable.. some keys are lifted,
most keytops seem to be curved side to side, no longer flat..

like the man said, a good candidate for someone learning how
to fix-em-up and if things get broke during the learning process,
no great loss

sorry i can't give you better news

 

[Tom]

I think you could sell it on Craigslist or Facebook marketplace or eBay. Being in the shape it’s in, the shipping probably won’t damage it…..

 

[Ben-jammin]

I think you could sell it on Craigslist or Facebook marketplace or eBay. Being in the shape it’s in, the shipping probably won’t damage it…..

I think if most reeds are currently still mounted on their reed boxes shipping could encourage them to fall off. It might not necessarily reduce the value in a “as/is for parts” condition but if I were selling it I would really try to make sure the buyer understands that risk and the current condition. I know on some of the platforms it can be costly if the buyer doesn’t agree that the item matches the description.

 

[Bill Bryant]

This is the last working accordian I have left. Only negative on it was it had a cloth strap, instead of leather. Still only selling it to this local area - no ship. I’m reducing the price for the last time, to allow buyer to purchase a nice set of straps. $400