Please help me identify and estimate the resale value of this accordion

[Jay Hill]

Hi all,

Happy holidays to all.

I would appreciate any help identifying this accordion.
Any instructions as to where I can find the manufacturer and serial # would also be appreciated.

I am not an accordion player but my grandfather and father were.
I may keep it in their memory.
They also had an older accordion and I believe that this was their newer version.

Thank you very much for your help.

Description:
- Manufacturer: tbd
- Model: 'Afco'???
- Year manufactured: TBD (stamped '70' & '46' under bass side cover)
- Insignia: crown with music symbols
- Color:
- Case: Red
- Treble Keys: ivory

Features:
1) Bass side (buttons):
- # Buttons: 120
- # Registers: 2
2) Treble side (keys):
- Color: Ivory
- # Keys: 41 keys
- # Registers: 5
3) Case: red
4) Hard case: original, included
5) Shoulder straps(2): original, included

Other:
- Looks very similar to:
- Universal brand: https://reverb.com/item/77031919-universal-accordion-1970-s-1980-s-red

Photos:
- Google drive album (2 sets of photos): https://photos.app.goo.gl/nHPhqC857BT9q9t4A

 

[JerryPH]

1. It has no great value,
2. If you take a few minutes and read similar threads, you will find that an accordion’s value it not determined so much on the outside, but the condition of the insides. The longer it sits unplayed, the faster bad things happen inside. Storage conditions play a big factor in this.

If you really wish to honour the memory of your father and grandfather, instead of just looking at it, consider learning to play it… just a suggestion.

 

[Dingo40]

Welcome, Jay!
Essentially, this is an attractive " run of the mill ", three voice (low, middle, high) accordion, in excellent cosmetic condition, originally intended for the learner or amateur enthusiast.
Possibly from the late 1950s to early 1960s.
A popular colour.
They were competently made in the day but may be showing the effects on age (60 to 70 years)...like us, really !
Does it have a "made in Italy " badge somewhere?
In good playable condition, it is worth whatever a buyer will pay: it's not a "valuable barn find" but nice enough to have.
Serial numbers and maker's names are essentially meaningless for this level of instrument and even country of origin often means nothing, even for the top marques.
Even today, an accordion marked " made in Germany " may actually be made in Italy or China, although the label itself could be from Germany!
Suitable for a busker, learner or folk musician.
The actual value depends on the market in your locality. Compare with what's on offer nearby (Facebook, eBay, gumtree, music shops), but be prepared to come down.

 

[Valski]

It's a pretty accordion, however it's not a long lost "Stradavarius" because there is no such thing in the accordion world. You won't get thousands for this run of the mill basic instrument and to further deflate your hopes, it's been stored un-played for many years which increases the chances that this has deteriorated from disuse. Yes, in general accordions are relatively expensive instruments but this usually doesn't mean that your resale value is high. Enjoy this for its looks, or better still learn to play it!

 

[debra]

The value of an accordion greatly depends on finding someone who wants it.
Assuming the unseen internals are in reasonable shape such an accordion (3 voice LMH 120 bass) tends to go for around 500 (dollar, euro...) but it may vary on the internal condition and how much work is needed to turn it into a fully usable instrument. If there is absolutely no work it may bring in 700 to 800 but it is more likely that it needs 300 to 400 in work in which case it will be worth considerably less...

 

[Jay Hill]

1. It has no great value,
2. If you take a few minutes and read similar threads, you will find that an accordion’s value it not determined so much on the outside, but the condition of the insides. The longer it sits unplayed, the faster bad things happen inside. Storage conditions play a big factor in this.

If you really wish to honour the memory of your father and grandfather, instead of just looking at it, consider learning to play it… just a suggestion.

Thank you JerryPH!

 

[Jay Hill]

Welcome, Jay!
Essentially, this is an attractive " run of the mill ", three voice (low, middle, high) accordion, in excellent cosmetic condition, originally intended for the learner or amateur enthusiast.
Possibly from the late 1950s to early 1960s.
A popular colour.
They were competently made in the day but may be showing the effects on age (60 to 70 years)...like us, really !
Does it have a "made in Italy " badge somewhere?
In good playable condition, it is worth whatever a buyer will pay: it's not a "valuable barn find" but nice enough to have.
Serial numbers and maker's names are essentially meaningless for this level of instrument and even country of origin often means nothing, even for the top marques.
Even today, an accordion marked " made in Germany " may actually be made in Italy or China, although the label itself could be from Germany!
Suitable for a busker, learner or folk musician.
The actual value depends on the market in your locality. Compare with what's on offer nearby (Facebook, eBay, gumtree, music shops), but be prepared to come down.

Great info! Thank you Dingo40!
Re manufacturer info: No, none on the exterior. I will take the covers off & look for info.

 

[Jay Hill]

It's a pretty accordion, however it's not a long lost "Stradavarius" because there is no such thing in the accordion world. You won't get thousands for this run of the mill basic instrument and to further deflate your hopes, it's been stored un-played for many years which increases the chances that this has deteriorated from disuse. Yes, in general accordions are relatively expensive instruments but this usually doesn't mean that your resale value is high. Enjoy this for its looks, or better still learn to play it!

Thank you Valski, the great feedback from this forum's members are really appreciated!

 

[Jay Hill]

The value of an accordion greatly depends on finding someone who wants it.
Assuming the unseen internals are in reasonable shape such an accordion (3 voice LMH 120 bass) tends to go for around 500 (dollar, euro...) but it may vary on the internal condition and how much work is needed to turn it into a fully usable instrument. If there is absolutely no work it may bring in 700 to 800 but it is more likely that it needs 300 to 400 in work in which case it will be worth considerably less...

Thank you Paul De Bra!
Your input is really insightful and appreciated!

 

[Tom]

If this accordion’s condition is as good as it looks, I would start at $350 and take $300 or whatever reasonable I could get. This is in Wisconsin, your results will vary.

 

[Jay Hill]

If this accordion’s condition is as good as it looks, I would start at $350 and take $300 or whatever reasonable I could get. This is in Wisconsin, your results will vary.

Thank you Tom!
I really appreciate your appraisal input.

 

[Jay Hill]

Dear Accordion friends,

I'd appreciate any input/references on how to perform basic cleaning of Pop's accordian prior to an attempt to resell or keep and play.

E.g.:
1) Exterior cleaning/polishing:
- soft damp cloth, then dry cloth
- wax or polish
2) Interior (covers off) cleaning:
- low pressure air
- soft damp cloth, then dry cloth

Thank you all.

 

[JKJ]

I'd appreciate any input/references on how to perform basic cleaning of Pop's accordian prior to an attempt to resell or keep and play.

Jay Hill,

When I acquired an accordion from the estate of a relative the first thing I did was take it to a respected accordion tech for evaluation. He inspected and pronounced it in excellent condition, made some minor adjustments, and cleaned it inside and out. The cost of the service was well worth it to me since all this was new to me. Doing the same might be helpful to you whether you decide to keep it or sell it. There should be experienced accordion techs/repair people in your area.

JKJ

 

[Ventura]

Dear Accordion friends,
I'd appreciate any input/references on how to perform basic cleaning of Pop's accordian prior to an attempt to resell or keep and play.

i recommend 70% alcohol with a spray top screwed on,
spritz the soft cloth (not the accordion surface) as needed

remember to depress one key so you can clean the EDGE of the adjacent keys
and so forth

q-tips can help in some areas

same for the polish.. a nice can of simple lemon scented Carnauba Wax, spray
lightly onto a soft cloth, buff up the body and chrome stuff as you go,
not the key surfaces (slippery keys.. ewwwww)

the folds of your bellows look pretty clean, so with bellows closed,
just a quick wipe along the front edge's with the cleaning cloth,
a bit of polish cloth here is ok too, the curved metal corners can sometimes shine up
but be careful not to break the old bellows tape where it meets the metal corners..
it's probably kinda dry and a bit brittle by now

 

[Jay Hill]

Jay Hill,

When I acquired an accordion from the estate of a relative the first thing I did was take it to a respected accordion tech for evaluation. He inspected and pronounced it in excellent condition, made some minor adjustments, and cleaned it inside and out. The cost of the service was well worth it to me since all this was new to me. Doing the same might be helpful to you whether you decide to keep it or sell it. There should be experienced accordion techs/repair people in your area.

JKJ

JKJ, fantastic advice, thank you for your input!

 

[Jay Hill]

i recommend 70% alcohol with a spray top screwed on,
spritz the soft cloth (not the accordion surface) as needed

remember to depress one key so you can clean the EDGE of the adjacent keys
and so forth

q-tips can help in some areas

same for the polish.. a nice can of simple lemon scented Carnauba Wax, spray
lightly onto a soft cloth, buff up the body and chrome stuff as you go,
not the key surfaces (slippery keys.. ewwwww)

the folds of your bellows look pretty clean, so with bellows closed,
just a quick wipe along the front edge's with the cleaning cloth,
a bit of polish cloth here is ok too, the curved metal corners can sometimes shine up
but be careful not to break the old bellows tape where it meets the metal corners..
it's probably kinda dry and a bit brittle by now

Dear Ventura,

Thank you so much for taking the time to provide me with your cleaning suggestions!
Good advice to apply the alcohol to the cloth as opposed to directly onto the accordion.
Regards,
JH

 

[Jay Hill]

Dear Accordionists friends,

FYI that I was able to locate some identification information inscribed into the back of the cover:
- "74 / 46 Made In Italy"
The numbers "74 / 46" were also stamped inside under the cover.

Thanks you all for your help/

Regards,
JH

 

[Ventura]

the keyboard service tool is seen in your pic, and for a time
after the Settimo Soprani factory had burnt down, they serviced
their legion of private label clients from working nightshift at the Scandalli factory..
so there are quite a few like this, hybrids of sorts, using some Scandalli
hardware and finished by S Soprani workforce..

i will bet the Bass section is typically built Stradella (not a drop out)

which, Jay, most of that is irrelevant to your situation, except this
is an easy to work on, lightweight, decent quality, nicely finished student level accordion
in red, which is sharp looking and still a popular color/finish.

there is nothing special about this one, xcept it is always nice to find one
that isn't worn out or baked to death in an attic or covered in basement Mold

someone will get quite a few useful and fun years from it !

 

[Ikesaccordions]

To polish an accordion you could use "Brasso" which will shine up the plastic without visibly scratching it but perhaps better is Meguiars Mirror Glaze used for motorcycle windshields. Frankly I would avoid using alcohol on it. Better is naphtha. Alcohol is for piano keys.
The test of an accordion's conditon is done by sounding each note seperately and listening for a clear normal sounding response.
If anything sounds odd, you would take it to an expert, if you can find one.
Get somebody to play it, and if it works, it's at least good enough to practice with.

 

[Jay Hill]

the keyboard service tool is seen in your pic, and for a time
after the Settimo Soprani factory had burnt down, they serviced
their legion of private label clients from working nightshift at the Scandalli factory..
so there are quite a few like this, hybrids of sorts, using some Scandalli
hardware and finished by S Soprani workforce..

i will bet the Bass section is typically built Stradella (not a drop out)

which, Jay, most of that is irrelevant to your situation, except this
is an easy to work on, lightweight, decent quality, nicely finished student level accordion
in red, which is sharp looking and still a popular color/finish.

there is nothing special about this one, xcept it is always nice to find one
that isn't worn out or baked to death in an attic or covered in basement Mold

someone will get quite a few useful and fun years from it !

Dear Ventura,

Thank you so much for taking the time to provide me with manufacturer information and your appraisal advice!
I really appreciate your input!
I hope that I can find someone that will have some fun with it.

Regards,
JH