This is an anglo concertina, a "ceili" model
made by the Button Box, R. Morse and Co, of Amherst Ma. I do the woodworking
on these instruments, everything except for the fretwork, which is
laser-cut. Excellent quality concertinas were made on a production
scale by several firms in London from the mid 1800's until the 1930's,
but their popularity faded, and the industry never recovered after
the war. Concertinas experienced a revival in the seventies and demand
for excellent quality instruments has
since far outstripped supply. Currently fewer than ten makers each
make 5-20 excellent quality concertinas a year, with up to five year
waiting lists. The Button Box instruments are the best quality concertinas
made on a production scale (they've sold over 150 in the last three
years) since the 30's, and the most serious concertina building effort
ever this side of the Atlantic. I also play the anglo concertina myself,
(every Sunday night at the Irish music session in Greenfield, MA),
and I'm very proud to be involved in their production. Follow this
link to the Button Box
web site. Or this link to Concertina.net,
for lots more on these great instruments. Try Frank
Edgley for custom-made to order concertinas, and his own music
and tutors. Finally I've attached a link to Irish concertina master
Noel Hill playing
tunes.