For sale now
I really can't imagine what inspired Mr Lachenal to add a whistle and a duck-call to his perfectly good 32-key instruments, but this is one of those. I suppose it keeps small children amused...
Anyway, it's quite easy to ignore those two buttons, since they are located at the dusty end of the G row on either hand. Apart from the novelty keys, this is a cracker of an Anglo... one of those with ends cut from beautifully-figured solid rosewood rather than veneer. The buttons on these were normally un-bushed, but I have reamed and bushed the buttonholes to keep the action quiet and smooth.
I have also made and fitted new 7-fold bellows. The downside is that the extra fold means it will no longer fit in its original case - but it probably deserves something better anyway.
As usual, I have replaced all pads, valves , bushes and straps, stripped and French polished the woodwork, and tuned it to modern concert pitch.
One more thing: it comes complete with an RAF Navigator's wing badge from the uniform of Charlie Freebairn, a previous owner who was killed in action. The vendor thought it should stay with the instrument, and I agree.
Price: £1850
34-key rosewood-ended Lachenal Anglo in C/G
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Wheatstone Aeola 64-key baritone-treble
A stonking example of a rare and desirable instrument - a Model 16 baritone-treble, serial number 35035, which goes all the way down to a window-rattling F2.
It has new pads, valves, bushes and straps, and I have refinished the woodwork in French polish. The original 8-fold bellows are immaculate and airtight, and although the nickel-plated ends were in lovely condition when it came in, I have taken the opportunity to have them professionally re-polished.
It comes in its original tan leather case, also in lovely condition (though I had to make a new handle using old strapping, so it doesn't stand out too much.)
This is a once-in-a-blue-moon instrument, with a range that makes it supremely versatile... don't miss it!
Price: £4000
SOLD
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31-key Crabb/Ball Beavon Anglo in C/G
Ball Beavon was a top London retailer whose Anglos were all made by Crabb - an association which lasted, I believe, into the 1930s. This one, No. 8952, is a good deal earlier, probably dating from the days when Crabb also made Anglo's for Jeffries - and in terms of response, volume and tone, it's hard to tell apart from my own 38-key Jeffries. I have made and fitted new 7-fold bellows, along with new pads, valves, bushes and straps. The ends have been re-polished by my tame metal-finishing ace, and I have stripped and French polished the woodwork. It comes complete with its original wooden case, complete with strap, lock and key.
In short, this is a top-quality Anglo that will give any Jeffries a run for its money, but for about £1000 less.
Price: £3500
SOLD
Click on any gallery picture to enlarge it.