Please help ID Old Titano Model

[Sylvie]

Hi, I have a friend who has a Titano and I looked all over for her because she would like to find more about it and also its age and if it has some value. I don't play accordion myself but I read music and play some piano. She let me try her Titano and I could figure (badly) a few songs on the spot so I think I might be hooked and I am seriously considering to learn more on hers and probably get an accordion as well.
Back to her Titano, the model is STANDARD and the stamp says "Product of Titano" and "Made in Italy" and the serial number next to the stamp is 4646. I am puzzled because the grille is different from all the photos that I looked at. Is it genuine?

 

[Wheezer]

It is an authentic Titano. I think that the grill design preceded the “tube chamber” design that sports the chrome dog bone ornamentation. I’m not sure, but my best guess would date it around the early 60’s.

These were very well made instruments.

 

[Ben-jammin]

This should have been built to Titano’s specifications by Victoria accordions and were well made instruments. Both brands are still in existence though their relationship soured and Titano has their instruments built by another firm these days. Valuation for accordions of that age can be tricky because the condition can vary quite a bit depending on how and where it was stored and if any maintenance had been done in the intervening years since it was originally bought. It doesn’t take too many performance issues (that may seem minor) that need attention for a repair bill to exceed the instruments value so an informed buyers will consider that. Based on the registers it appears to be an LMM accordion. The current “standard” model (speciations could have changed) shows an instrument with 3 treble sets and 4 bass reeds and “export” grade reeds which are the most modest grade Titano offers. I consider these superior to some other brands entry level reeds but still not comparable to good hand finished reeds.

 

[Sylvie]

Thank you soo much guys, I relayed the message. A musique store told her that it was worth $5000 Cnd a few months back. I told her at the time that she should sell it because it is not everybody who would collect oldies and pay this price, although it is in great shape. Maintenance is expensive if you don't know much about the instrument and don't know if parts are still made.

In the mean time, I am really getting interested in learning accordion. Since the Titano was way too heavy for me and I want less buttons until I get comfortable, I got myself a little one for now. If I persist and become at ease, then I will invest in a newer quality instrument. I will start a new post with my question about it, but a big thank you for the information about the Titano. I will tell Carmen.

 

[Ben-jammin]

$3.7k (converted to US dollars) is way higher than I would expect a 60 year old 3/4 accordion like that to trade for. I think high retail (in good functioning shape sold with warranty from a reputable accordion shop) would about a third of that much. Were they actually making an offer to buy it? If so she should definitely take them up on it.

 

[Wheezer]

Check out this accordion: