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Item Type: Concertina
| Summary | Labels and Serial Numbers | End Frets | Fingering System | Straps and Holding Devices | Fret Baffle | Action Board | Reeds and Reed Pans | Bellows | Case and Other |
Summary
Full Description: A rare Edward Chidley 54-Key "English" system concertina, of unusual "stretched hexagon" form. The only known example from this maker, its unusual shape, riveted reeds, unusual note-name stamps within, and its unusual action and layout of the keys all add to its unique style and design. The item has 5-fold green leather bellows, flat-topped metal keys capped onto turned wooden pegs, and a rare type of action post. The reed-pan layout is unique, as are the narrow brass reeds, and the reed-tongues which have large circular fixing-ends riveted to the reed-frames. It retains its original fitted case, which has lid-hinges from "P Moore, Registered 1843" - the common supplier of hinges to many Victorian concertina makers!
Concertina Summary: A rare Edward Chidley 54-Key "English" system concertina, of unusual "stretched hexagon" form.
Owner or Collection: Concertina Museum, Belper
Maker: Edward Chidley seems to have made some concertinas in his own name, and is independently listed from 1861 to 1870 at 28 Store St, Bedford Sq. He began producing concertinas for Wheatstone about 1866, taking control of the firm soon after. By 1870 Edward is listed as an Importer and Maker of Harmoniums and Concertinas at Wheatstone's Conduit Street address.
Maker Links: Edward Chidley seems to have made some concertinas in his own name, and is independently listed from 1861 to 1870 at 28 Store St, Bedford Sq. He began producing concertinas for Wheatstone about 1866, taking control of the firm soon after. By 1870 Edward is listed as an Importer and Maker of Harmoniums and Concertinas at Wheatstone's Conduit Street address. The most detailed source of information on the genealogy of the Chidleys, and the premises, manufacturing and marketing of Rock Chidley instruments is Chris Flint's paper at: www.scatesconcertinas.com/rock-chidley-concertina-maker.html. A good survey by Wes Williams of Rock and Edward Chidley's various addresses and some noted instruments is at: www.concertinas.org.uk/others.htm#Chidley
Region of Manufacture: London: Edward Chidley seems to have made some concertinas in his own name, and is listed from 1861 to 1870 at 28 Store St, Bedford Sq, the address on the label of this instrument.
Main Maker's Label Wording: "Edwd Chidley Manufacturer, 28 Store St, Bedford Sq, London W.C.". This address on the label of this instrument is cited in Directories as Edward Chidley's address from 1861 to 1870.
Principal Serial Number: No serial number on or within this instrument, just "L or "R" stamps on most internal levels, stamped in an unusual and small font.
System Type: An unusual 54-Key "English" system, with 27 keys on each end.
Source Catalogue No: The Concertina Museum Collection Ref:C-246.
