Concertina, late 19th Century, 7 1/4" tall.

The concertina is a musical instrument that acts much like an accordion. Bellows and buttons are used to play different notes. The instrument was originally developed in England and Germany as early as the 1830s. Throughout the 19th century, the concertina was a popular instrument, often played in the Salvation Army bands in England and America. It began a rapid decline in use by the beginning of the 20th century, when other instruments such as the accordion increased in popularity. Yet various forms of the concertina survived in some areas, like in traditional Irish, African, and polka music. Many concertina bands in Germany produced music in the period between the World Wars, but the rise of the Nazi regime forced these musical clubs to disappear.

This wooden concertina has a hexagonal shape, and ten buttons on each end of the instrument. The bellows are made of cloth and paper.  At 7 ¼ inches tall, it is much smaller than the accordion.

Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Leon Bradley.

1966.135

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