Fratelli Crosio Stradella

[bbeghin]

So, Dad got an Accordion in Italy when he was stationed there in the US Army. It had to be around 1946. It's a Fratelli Crosio Stradella. Dad passed away recently and I'm trying to get some information and idea of value . So far I'm not seeing one that matches age, condition or features. This has sat in a hard case for over 70 years, not played and rarely seen as we grew up. Other than the leather shoulder straps it's condition is perfect. 6 row 120 button with 11 tonal buttons and hard case. Any thoughts would be very appreciated. "">

 

[Stephen Hawkins]

Firstly, and most importantly, I am sorry for your loss.

I feel sure that some knowledgeable member of this forum will provide the information you seek, but it may help if you were able to assess the instrument's "playability."

You see, an instrument which has been stored for such a long time will most assuredly have its problems. The nature and severity of these problems will dictate its value. The outside has survived very well, but the inside could be a mess.

It is not my intention to upset you at all, but only fully functioning accordions have any real value. You will, no doubt, have a sentimental attachment to your late Dad's instrument, and I am sorry if I have poured cold water on your aspirations.

Try the instrument out, making sure that you play every key and button on the accordion. Let us know what the results are as accurately as you can. This will give us a more complete picture, which will better able us to advise you further.

Kind Regards,

Stephen.

 

[maugein96]

Hi,

Any accordion of that age will require a full refurbishment and retune, regardless of how well it has been looked after. Keeping it in its case for such a long period of time will probably have resulted in some issues which only a qualified repairer would be able to assess.

A lot of accordions from that era are simply not worth refurbishing, as the cost would often outweigh the actual value of the instrument.

Here in the UK you'd probably struggle to get the equivalent of about $400 for the instrument, even if it was in playable condition.

It's a shame that a lot of people regard accordions as potential valuable antiques, when that is very seldom the case. Very occasionally a real gem surfaces, but those will inevitably be mothballed top of the range specials. From the photos you have supplied the only unusual feature of the accordion would appear to be its colour.

Accordions are living breathing instruments, and prolonged storage of them actually decreases their value by a considerable amount, even in favourable climatic conditions. Fratelli Crosio was a respected Italian make, so at least you have that in your favour.

I appreciate you are probably regarding the accordion as a family asset, and it is from a sentimental point of view. From a potential buyer's point of view, then it may or may not be such an object of desire.

Hopefully, somebody in the US with knowledge of your accordion market will be able to assist you further. There are several very knowledgeable members on here from the US with experience of the accordion in the commercial world.

 

[Alan Sharkis]

My condolences on your loss.

The accordion is certainly beautiful on the outside. As some have already stated, however, there may be some serious problems on the inside. Although it's true that storage of an accordion in its case for seventy years almost always results in some internal deterioration, that may also depend on the conditions in which the case was stored. If it was stored in an attic or basement, the chances of damage are increased. If, however, the case was stored in a relatively climate-controlled atmosphere (the main or second story in a house - even in a closet) it would still probably need re-waxing and tuning.

The choice is yours. If you want to display the accordion and not play it, you'd still have a beautiful instrument to display. On the other hand, if you want it to be played, either by you or someone else you know, please bear in mind that only a qualified repair technician can tell you about its value both before and after restoration. Be prepared to spend more than either of those dollar amounts for any needed service.

I am in the New York area, and I'm aware of three qualified technicians, two of which I have had personal experience (both positive.) I don't really know anyone in your area, but if you don't hear from somebody on this forum about evaluation and/or repair, you might try the accordion repair group on Facebook and a similar group at Yahoo. Of course, of you aren't already registered at those two groups, you'll have to complete a registration process. As you've done here, posting pictures can help.

Good luck!

Alan