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Discussions => Instrument Makes and Models => Topic started by: triskel on January 08, 2015, 05:50:13 PM

Title: Chicago Irish-American accordions
Post by: triskel on January 08, 2015, 05:50:13 PM
The New York Irish-American accordions of Baldoni, Bartoli & Co., F.H.Walters, Iorio etc. and the Boston ones of O'Byrne DeWitt are often mentioned these days, but very few people (or maybe I was the only one - because I have them in an old price list?) were even aware that similar instruments were also being sold in Chicago, and I'm prompted to start this thread because I took delivery of one of these accordions (60 years old but basically "brand new") a couple of days ago, though when the first (red) one of three turned up on eBay (where I was the underbidder on it) I had no way of immediately knowing exactly what it was, or the significance of it:

(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b66/StephenChambers/Accordions/PaoloSopranipepperpot10-key.jpg)

This is the second one to come up on eBay (in black this time) that I was successful in buying, and it's an unbranded Paolo Soprani in what is today referred to as the "pepperpot grille" model (because of the perforated aluminium grilles on them, resembling the top of a pepperpot), made about 1953-4:

(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b66/StephenChambers/Accordions/007-6.jpg)

It was only after this second one was lited for sale that I became aware that the same seller (in Poplar Grove, Illinois) was also offering a number of other, unsold, early to mid-1950's accordions from the inventory of Italian Accordion Mfg. Co. (who were at 7600 Cottage Grove Avenue, Chicago 19) - several of which are illustrated in the c.1955 price list that I have for them:

(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b66/StephenChambers/Accordions/IAMCRigolettoHelikon.jpg)(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b66/StephenChambers/Accordions/scan0004-1.jpg)

like this Rigoletto "Helikon" 2-row box;

(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b66/StephenChambers/Accordions/IAMCwhitePaolo.jpg)(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b66/StephenChambers/Accordions/scan0005-2.jpg)

120-bass Paolo Soprani De-Luxe Orchestra Model piano accordion;

(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b66/StephenChambers/Accordions/IAMCgreyPA.jpg)(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b66/StephenChambers/Accordions/scan0006-1.jpg)

or Italian Accordion Mfg. Co. De-Luxe "Polka-Tone" Orchestra Model;

(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b66/StephenChambers/Accordions/ItalianAccdnMfg573.jpg)

and there's a 2-row, 2-coupler, 21/12 version of the "pepperpot grille" model Paolo Soprani (with Italian Accordion Mfg. Co. badge) illustrated in the list too.

Then there's also a seperate listing for "Irish Accordions" that has some pretty typical Irish-American 2-row D/C# and single row D boxes in it:

(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b66/StephenChambers/Accordions/scan0003-1.jpg)

and No.119, the bottom one on that list, is the 2-voice model that I've bought, whilst it seems many of their accordions were supplied to them unbadged and they added their own - hence mine has no badge on it because these have only been taken out of the original Paolo Soprani packaging now, 60 years later... (But it's a delight to play on what is essentially a brand-new "grey box"!  ;D )
Title: Re: Chicago Irish-American accordions
Post by: Lars on January 08, 2015, 06:05:51 PM
- and for the sake of comparison, here's two labelled Paolo Soprani, which are pretty darn close to the one Stephen just got, although they have both been converted from stepped to flat keyboard. I still have one of them, and a darn good box, too.
Title: Re: Chicago Irish-American accordions
Post by: pgroff on January 08, 2015, 06:06:39 PM
Hi triskel,

They aren't unknown, just maybe "below the radar" since the ones that are still up and running are mostly being played by guys at home rather than pros.  I have a couple of their price lists too, and  I've seen several of the accordions with the Italian Accordion Mfg Co labels and/or stamps over the years, including Hohners, Paolo Soprani club accordions ca. 1950s and 1960s, and D/C# Irish-American accordions.

In the early 1990s a player / collector brought a couple (maybe more?) of those Chicago D/C# boxes to show me - as I remember, the ones he had were all 19 key, 4 bass, 4-voice, 2-coupler models  in D/C# that were identical (except for the metal logo) to some 1950s models of the O'Byrne DeWitt Paolo Sopranis.  Fine boxes, and one of them was sounding especially nice due to a replacement grille made in naked aluminum to replace the original celluloid-covered grille. The replacement grille was made in the style of the 1940s grey boxes, by an instrument maker who's another friend of mine.

Unfortunately I didn't take photos, but I hope to meet up with that gentleman again someday and if so I will try to photograph his  accordions.

PG
Title: Re: Chicago Irish-American accordions
Post by: The Idle Rich on January 08, 2015, 06:16:31 PM
(http://i457.photobucket.com/albums/qq292/rchrss/Bm1jOIwmkKGrHqMOKjsEtk06OsYHBLhFQwtK9Q_35_zps6985b202.jpg)
Title: Re: Chicago Irish-American accordions
Post by: triskel on January 08, 2015, 06:19:20 PM
(http://i457.photobucket.com/albums/qq292/rchrss/Bm1jOIwmkKGrHqMOKjsEtk06OsYHBLhFQwtK9Q_35_zps6985b202.jpg)

Yep, that looks very much like the Club Model that's beside the 2-coupler "Pepperpot" - it's the early version (maybe late 1954?) of the 1955-6 Paolo Soprani, which had no shield/badge on the grille and a bass end-board made of celluloid-veneered plywood, before they started doing them in pressed aluminium.
Title: Re: Chicago Irish-American accordions
Post by: The Idle Rich on January 08, 2015, 06:29:16 PM
I saved these photos from some ebay sale (I think).

(http://i457.photobucket.com/albums/qq292/rchrss/Bm1jq7B2kKGrHqQOKkYEtkmJzUtEBLhFSMsU4_35_zps56a711be.jpg)

(http://i457.photobucket.com/albums/qq292/rchrss/Bm1kWBmkKGrHqIOKjwEt7utpD4BLhFTPJY3w_35_zps2ed5b3e6.jpg)
Title: Re: Chicago Irish-American accordions
Post by: triskel on January 08, 2015, 06:33:26 PM
They aren't unknown, just maybe "below the radar" ...

Then it's surely past-time to bring them "above the radar" Paul, let's not allow those New Yorkers and Bostonians to take all the glory!  ;)
Title: Re: Chicago Irish-American accordions
Post by: pgroff on January 08, 2015, 07:03:23 PM
They aren't unknown, just maybe "below the radar" ...

Then it's surely past-time to bring them "above the radar" Paul, let's not allow those New Yorkers and Bostonians to take all the glory!  ;)

Hi triskel

Totally agree and thanks for your post!  'Course, I might have been hoping to *catch* one under that radar.  Rich's pics might be from one that sold in Minnesota on ebay a few years back.

PG
Title: Re: Chicago Irish-American accordions
Post by: triskel on January 08, 2015, 07:25:02 PM
'Course, I might have been hoping to *catch* one under that radar.

Ah, sorry about that Paul! I wonder who just bought the third one???

And are there any more of them to come?  ???
Title: Re: Chicago Irish-American accordions
Post by: pgroff on January 08, 2015, 08:29:20 PM
I think a well-known box player wanted it for his Dad, but that's when he hoped it was a 4 voice.  Those hopes faded when he got the pics of the pallets.

The one I'd hope to nab some day would be the 19-key D/C# like the ones played by my acquaintance.  Very nice little 19/4 LMMM "Paolo-like" boxes.

PG
Title: Re: Chicago Irish-American accordions
Post by: triskel on January 08, 2015, 11:57:36 PM
I think a well-known box player wanted it for his Dad, but that's when he hoped it was a 4 voice.  Those hopes faded when he got the pics of the pallets.

Yes, he and I were having "off-facebook" communications on the subject (at the same time you and I were having "on-facebook" ones) and I told him all about mine when it arrived, and hence much of the speculation about whether there was room for more pallets inside, seeing that his dad is a 4-stopper "melodeon" (in the Irish sense) player. It was mainly for his benefit that I initially took the internal photos, showing the "acres" of potential space for longer pallets and more reedblocks in there:

(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b66/StephenChambers/Accordions/004-12.jpg)  (http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b66/StephenChambers/Accordions/002-14.jpg)

Mind you, I've only had mine 2 days, but it's noticeably already "opening up" and producing a surprisingly powerful voice for only 2 reeds. I'll be taking it up to Gort on Saturday, so we'll see what Charlie and Anders make of it...  :||:
Title: Re: Chicago Irish-American accordions
Post by: LDbosca on January 09, 2015, 07:18:00 PM
Would love to hear a sound clip of that beast...
Title: Re: Chicago Irish-American accordions
Post by: gettabettabox on January 11, 2015, 02:39:57 AM
I think a well-known box player wanted it for his Dad, but that's when he hoped it was a 4 voice.  Those hopes faded when he got the pics of the pallets.

Yes, he and I were having "off-facebook" communications on the subject (at the same time you and I were having "on-facebook" ones) and I told him all about mine when it arrived, and hence much of the speculation about whether there was room for more pallets inside, seeing that his dad is a 4-stopper "melodeon" (in the Irish sense) player. It was mainly for his benefit that I initially took the internal photos, showing the "acres" of potential space for longer pallets and more reedblocks in there:

(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b66/StephenChambers/Accordions/004-12.jpg)  (http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b66/StephenChambers/Accordions/002-14.jpg)

Mind you, I've only had mine 2 days, but it's noticeably already "opening up" and producing a surprisingly powerful voice for only 2 reeds. I'll be taking it up to Gort on Saturday, so we'll see what Charlie and Anders make of it...  :||:

it's a great looking box, can i ask?...one set of bass/chords will be D/A, is the other pair D/G? (differing from the hohner 4 bass set ups)
Title: Re: Chicago Irish-American accordions
Post by: forrest on January 11, 2015, 03:17:36 AM
Interesting that within all the square footage available in the treble end, that they chose to mount reeds on vertical blocks rather than lay them flat...also, is the reedblock waxed in place?
Title: Re: Chicago Irish-American accordions
Post by: waltzman on January 11, 2015, 11:12:13 PM
Is wax ever used to anchor a reed block?  It wouldn't be strong enough.
Title: Re: Chicago Irish-American accordions
Post by: forrest on January 12, 2015, 06:08:12 AM
Is wax ever used to anchor a reed block?  It wouldn't be strong enough.

I'll elaborate: Some reedblocks don't have a flange type base with gasket (like a Hohner) but rather have a different means of securing the block to the 'fondo', perhaps a foot or a tab with screws, and the seal is made by waxing around the base of the block. My question is based on the fact that in Stephen's photo, the treble block appears to have wax along the base. Can't really tell, so's I'm askin'  ;)
Title: Re: Chicago Irish-American accordions
Post by: triskel on January 12, 2015, 01:53:41 PM
... is the reedblock waxed in place?

As far as I can tell (without dismantling everything) the reedblock is glued in, like it usually is in 10-key German-style melodeons, and the wax is for holding the reeds in. It'll be a bitch for tuning purposes, but it's really good for the sound of the box...  ;D
Title: Re: Chicago Irish-American accordions
Post by: triskel on January 12, 2015, 02:21:36 PM
Would love to hear a sound clip of that beast...

I now have a film clip on my camera of it being "played in anger" in a very lively session with Des and Charlie - but next I need to get the software to transfer it...  :-\
Title: Re: Chicago Irish-American accordions
Post by: triskel on January 12, 2015, 02:26:41 PM
it's a great looking box, can i ask?...one set of bass/chords will be D/A, is the other pair D/G? (differing from the hohner 4 bass set ups)

No, it isn't like a Baldoni, it came with D/A and F#/B.  :o
Title: Re: Chicago Irish-American accordions
Post by: hickory-wind on January 13, 2015, 04:40:38 PM
:)
Title: Re: Chicago Irish-American accordions
Post by: TomB-R on January 13, 2015, 04:52:57 PM
Would love to hear a sound clip of that beast...

I now have a film clip on my camera of it being "played in anger" in a very lively session with Des and Charlie - but next I need to get the software to transfer it...  :-\

Please!  (:)

Interesting that within all the square footage available in the treble end, that they chose to mount reeds on vertical blocks rather than lay them flat...also, is the reedblock waxed in place?
A matter of production I guess, manufacturing all set up for reed blocks.

Tom

Title: Re: Chicago Irish-American accordions
Post by: hickory-wind on January 14, 2015, 01:57:57 PM
More pictures. The one rows are basically identical besides the color.

Very sweet sound and weigh in at 6.4 lbs or 2.9kg.

BellingersButtonBoxes.com (http://BellingersButtonBoxes.com)
Title: Re: Chicago Irish-American accordions
Post by: hickory-wind on January 14, 2015, 02:06:53 PM
The larger blue badge is a 50's in GC.

BellingersButtonBoxes.com (http://BellingersButtonBoxes.com)
Title: Re: Chicago Irish-American accordions
Post by: hickory-wind on January 14, 2015, 02:13:23 PM
Photo comparing trim.

BellingersButtonBoxes.com (http://BellingersButtonBoxes.com)
Title: Re: Chicago Irish-American accordions
Post by: boxcall on January 14, 2015, 10:55:00 PM
Nice boxes !! Stephen and Scott,
so are these boxes all in the same key?
the red ones would go good with my baldoni, hint hint.
I would like to hear a sound sample too!
Title: Re: Chicago Irish-American accordions
Post by: triskel on January 14, 2015, 11:32:04 PM
More pictures. The one rows are basically identical besides the color.

TWO! To be sure, to be sure?  :o

Congratulations!!!  ;D

Nice boxes !! Stephen and Scott,
so are these boxes all in the same key?

I'd expect so, seeing that they're a "stock" item in Italian Accordion Mfg. Co.'s catalog and listed there as an "Irish accordion" in D.

Scott?  ???

Quote
the red ones would go good with my baldoni, hint hint.

That's my onetime OBdW Baldoni Brothers isn't it? I think the "pepperpot red" is usually rather darker in colour - but it'd make a nice contrast with my black one - and it was mine for all of one second in the closing stages of the eBay auction!  ;)

Very sweet sound ...
I would like to hear a sound sample too!

Mine is very sweet if you play it normally, but goes into overdrive if you play it hard and becomes a savage beast that sings out over a loud banjo and a very good "old grey" - but it seems I need a different lead to get a video to download from my camera...  :(
Title: Re: Chicago Irish-American accordions
Post by: triskel on January 15, 2015, 12:23:39 AM
Interesting that within all the square footage available in the treble end, that they chose to mount reeds on vertical blocks rather than lay them flat...
A matter of production I guess, manufacturing all set up for reed blocks.

Maybe they were allowing for the option to produce them with more voices too, seeing that "typical" Irish-American single-row boxes (including another model in the same list) were commonly six-voice (and eight-voice was not unknown!  :o )...

Indeed, some of the six-voice Baldoni models were built with provision for the addition of another reedblock!   ::)
Title: Re: Chicago Irish-American accordions
Post by: hickory-wind on January 15, 2015, 05:05:20 PM
Yes, both one rowers are in D. I have attached a study of their existing tuning. Quite high at close to A=444 Hz for the low reeds. They haven't flattened the thirds like some cajun one row boxes. The button action and bellows are wonderful. My plan is to restore and sell. Send a PM if interested.

I plan on putting up a brief video of these and a recent Baldoni Bartoli in DC# I've renovated. I'll add a link when ready.

BellingersButtonBoxes.com (http://BellingersButtonBoxes.com)

Scott
Title: Re: Chicago Irish-American accordions
Post by: hickory-wind on January 15, 2015, 07:58:27 PM
Here is a brief, unpracticed demo of the red Pepperpot playing TOTM "Haste to the Wedding".

http://youtu.be/HGgp3NMKu7s (http://youtu.be/HGgp3NMKu7s)

BellingersButtonBoxes.com (http://BellingersButtonBoxes.com)

Scott
Title: Re: Chicago Irish-American accordions
Post by: triskel on January 15, 2015, 08:03:43 PM
I love the original factory tuning that's on mine - it really sparkles and rings out, and to me it's something precious that I wouldn't change for anything! In fact the only work I want to do to the instrument is to replace the broken bellows strap (it seems the seller had a mishap with it...  ::)) and my friend Anders reckons he could have a good replacement for that, off another pepperpot, and to rewax the reeds because they were all either loose or falling out when it arrived. (Indeed, the seller reckoned there was already something that sounded like a "marble" rattling around inside, when he listed it. )

Otherwise it's absolutely PERFECT!!!
 
(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b66/StephenChambers/Accordions/007-6.jpg)
;D :D ;D :D ;D



Now, if only I could get Charlie to finish repairing my mess of a c.1950 black 2-row, 2-voice, 19-key O'Byrne DeWitt one and tune it similarly - the tuning on those Boston boxes was decidedly too "polite" for my liking.  :(

They'd then make a fantastic pair!  :o

Edited photo
Title: Re: Chicago Irish-American accordions
Post by: triskel on January 15, 2015, 08:11:39 PM
Here is a brief, unpracticed demo of the red Pepperpot playing TOTM "Haste to the Wedding".

Yep, sounds just like mine (until you "push" it into overdrive). I don't think you could possibly get a better sound than that factory tuning from 60 years ago...  :D
Title: Re: Chicago Irish-American accordions
Post by: hickory-wind on January 15, 2015, 09:26:05 PM
Here's a second tune. This one in "A".

http://youtu.be/Wdl8r-FLH0k (http://youtu.be/Wdl8r-FLH0k)

BellingersButtonBoxes.com (http://BellingersButtonBoxes.com)

Scott
Title: Re: Chicago Irish-American accordions
Post by: hickory-wind on January 16, 2015, 08:38:37 PM
Demo clips of black Pepperpot and of Baldoni Bartoli DC# button accordions.

http://youtu.be/zzODuQY37Bg (http://youtu.be/zzODuQY37Bg)

http://youtu.be/QX1uiGZA1Q4 (http://youtu.be/QX1uiGZA1Q4)

Scott

BellingersButtonBoxes.com (http://BellingersButtonBoxes.com)
Title: Re: Chicago Irish-American accordions
Post by: triskel on January 22, 2015, 05:04:43 PM
Would love to hear a sound clip of that beast...

I now have a film clip on my camera of it being "played in anger" in a very lively session with Des and Charlie - but next I need to get the software to transfer it...  :-\

Please!  (:)

It seems I need the (mislaid) software disc, or to fork out $50.00 for a download to do this properly, otherwise the trial version of the software only allows me to convert one third of a video clip - so here's that much for now!  ::)

1953-54 Paolo Soprani 10-key "pepperpot" played by Conor Connolly (https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10152703815408155&set=vb.750133154&type=2&theater)
Title: Re: Chicago Irish-American accordions
Post by: triskel on January 23, 2015, 08:46:03 AM
BETTER STILL! This morning I've found an excellent new "Free MTS Converter" online that's converted the full length of the video clip from MTS to MP4, so here's "the unexpurgated version" for you to enjoy more fully:

FULL 3-MINUTE VERSION: 1953-54 Paolo Soprani 10-key "pepperpot" (https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10152705858048155)

This would be pretty typical of our Saturday night session...  :D
Title: Re: Chicago Irish-American accordions
Post by: gettabettabox on January 23, 2015, 07:56:45 PM
great stuff! plenty of gusto in that little pepperpot.  (:)
Title: Re: Chicago Irish-American accordions
Post by: hickory-wind on January 23, 2015, 08:34:26 PM
Here is another video of the black pepperpot (now heading to Fallonje). I have shifted the reference frequency down to A=440Hz but kept the factory 'wetness'. Changed the arcane F#/B bass & chords to G/G. The box sounds much better than my playing does...

http://youtu.be/dG3Y7yZetg0 (http://youtu.be/dG3Y7yZetg0)

Scott

BellingersButtonBoxes.com (http://BellingersButtonBoxes.com)
Title: Re: Chicago Irish-American accordions
Post by: reelkidmusic on January 24, 2015, 12:04:35 AM
This would be pretty typical of our Saturday night session...  :D

Sorry for thread drift but is that Saturday night session in Gort Stephen?
Title: Re: Chicago Irish-American accordions
Post by: triskel on January 24, 2015, 12:53:12 AM
This would be pretty typical of our Saturday night session...  :D

Sorry for thread drift but is that Saturday night session in Gort Stephen?

'Tis!  :D
Title: Re: Chicago Irish-American accordions
Post by: triskel on January 24, 2015, 01:33:40 AM
great stuff! plenty of gusto in that little pepperpot.  (:)

I'd say the gusto in the box is down to a combination of features, starting with the fact that these were made towards the end of the "grey box" era and they are both (relatively) small, yet big enough to hold lots of wind in them (for 2 sets of reeds), and also light, so very agile and expressive. Also the reedblock is glued to the soundboard and the holes in that are square, the "ring" off the alumimium "pepperpot" grille and the original factory tuning, both in its wide tremolo and its sharpness - all of which add up to a great deal of power and "cut".

The dynamic range in the instrument is pretty phenomenal!  :D   
Title: Re: Chicago Irish-American accordions
Post by: triskel on March 22, 2015, 01:02:38 AM
I did say to Stephen that if it were mine, I would want the Paolo Soprani name on it.
He disagreed and he certainly made a good point!

Glad you liked it Tom! (Though I should maybe clarify to people that, though it was in the shop at the time, it was there for my own enjoyment and not for sale.)

It's nice to know that these did indeed come from Paolo Soprani (seeing that two of them still had Paolo Soprani wrapping paper), but (judging by catalogue illustrations of other models) they were originally made specially for Italian Accordion Mfg. Co. to put their own name onto - and I rather like the "unbranded" look (indeed I'm somebody who doesn't go for "designer label" clothes etc.  ;)), whilst I think it's less likely to get stolen if it doesn't have a fancy tag on it...
Title: Re: Chicago Irish-American accordions
Post by: brazilian.BOX on March 22, 2015, 01:48:49 AM
Personally, I don't like the one row models. But THIS presented here. I recognize that, it's really a CLASSIC. I wouldn't buy, cause I'm always observing also the classics obviously, but in 2 or 3 rows. Currently pursuiting my debut in the 12bass world. (And they are always 2 rows and ahead).
But this model, repeating is really respected and desired.  :||:
Title: Re: Chicago Irish-American accordions
Post by: boxcall on March 22, 2015, 02:32:28 AM
I did say to Stephen that if it were mine, I would want the Paolo Soprani name on it.
He disagreed and he certainly made a good point!

 I rather like the "unbranded" look

don't judge the book by it's cover.
although it looks great! and sounds even better which is what matters.
Title: Re: Chicago Irish-American accordions
Post by: pgroff on December 10, 2016, 05:34:16 PM
Here's another Paolo Soprani that was re-branded and sold by the Italian Accordion Manufacturing Co. in Chicago. This one is a 4 voice (LMMM) G/C 12 bass box with couplers to take out the L reed. We've discussed this general type before. *

In fact, I had an example of exactly the same model with the original Paolo Soprani metal logo. (on right in second photo attached). The IAMC example shown in the first photo may still have an original PS logo under the IAMC badge, or maybe not - since we've seen some other boxes that never had the PS badge.

But, in addition to its identical construction, this IAMC box still has "Paolo Soprani" labeling - on all of the original reed leathers, as was the case for the previous example I had!

PG

*
http://forum.melodeon.net/index.php/topic,12335.msg151814.html#msg151814


Title: Re: Chicago Irish-American accordions
Post by: pgroff on January 28, 2017, 08:46:51 PM
Here's a video of John Williams playing what looks very like an example of the last IAMC 12 bass Paolo, converted to a flat keyboard:

https://www.facebook.com/ciarank1/videos/10154515943474125/
Title: Re: Chicago Irish-American accordions
Post by: triskel on February 16, 2018, 09:18:01 AM
I've previously posted the catalogue listing of "Irish Accordions" available from Italian Accordion Mfg. Co. in Chicago in the mid-1950s:

(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b66/StephenChambers/Accordions/scan0003-1.jpg)

The single-row model illustrated thereon evidently being No. 117 on the list, but I now have illustrations of three more models from an IAMC "WAREHOUSE CLEARANCE SALE on Selected New - Display Models - Used Reconditioned Accordions and Concertinas" catalogue that I spotted amongst a "job-lot" of accordion ephemera on American eBay:

(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b66/StephenChambers/Accordions/IAMC%20sale%201.jpg)

No. 229 on the "Sale" list is evidently No. 119 from the "Irish Accordions" one - the same single-row Paolo Soprani "pepperpot grille" model that I have in black, and hickory-wind bought in both red and black, only with the IAMC badging that ours had yet to be given.

(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b66/StephenChambers/Accordions/scan0009_2.jpg)

Whilst No. 230 on the "Sale" list is No. 116, and No. 232 is a (slightly older?) "Custom Built to Order" 2-row, 4-voice, 6-bass model that's not on the "Irish Accordions" list.
Title: Re: Chicago Irish-American accordions
Post by: triskel on February 16, 2018, 09:48:28 AM
P.S. And No. 118 would have been like this D/C# example;

(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b66/StephenChambers/Accordions/silvergrill.jpg)

only with an IAMC badge instead of a Paolo Soprani one.

(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b66/StephenChambers/IAMC%20grey%20PA%20badge.jpg)
Title: Re: Chicago Irish-American accordions
Post by: pgroff on February 16, 2018, 11:46:20 AM
Hi triskel,

Thanks for sharing those catalog listings! A couple of that last model have turned up over the years, currently owned by players / collectors. Still looking for one myself.

PG

Title: Re: Chicago Irish-American accordions
Post by: triskel on February 16, 2018, 11:08:52 PM
(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b66/StephenChambers/Accordions/silvergrill.jpg)
A couple of that last model have turned up over the years, currently owned by players / collectors. Still looking for one myself.

Well do me a favour will you? Once you've found yourself one, keep a lookout for another one, for me... ;)

Edited to add: I was kinda hoping garagemagic might find a few new ones, when he was clearing out the back of that storeroom... 8)
Title: Re: Chicago Irish-American accordions
Post by: boxcall on February 17, 2018, 12:19:19 AM
Here's a IAMC
Same body shape but in a 2.5 row, with seven treble switches so it must have a few reed banks?
Really nice shape by the looks of it and cheap too at $350
CF.. I'd guess seller says key of C.

If any one is interested PM me and I'll send you the link.
Title: Re: Chicago Irish-American accordions
Post by: triskel on February 17, 2018, 02:02:37 AM
Here's a IAMC
Same body shape but in a 2.5 row, with seven treble switches so it must have a few reed banks?

That'll be a No. 54 then, a nice box I'm sure, but I'd much rather have the No. 57 beside it...  ;)

(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b66/StephenChambers/Accordions/ItalianAccdnMfg573.jpg)
Title: Re: Chicago Irish-American accordions
Post by: boxcall on February 17, 2018, 02:15:00 AM
Me too !! if it was I'd be all over it, it would look good next to my one row (:)
Title: Re: Chicago Irish-American accordions
Post by: triskel on February 17, 2018, 02:25:48 AM
Reminds me though, I've got a No. 58 in G/C waiting for me to collect in Sweden... ;D

(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b66/StephenChambers/Paolo%20Soprani%20pepperpot%20Sweden.jpg)
Title: Re: Chicago Irish-American accordions
Post by: hickory-wind on February 17, 2018, 01:05:47 PM
Here's a IAMC
Same body shape but in a 2.5 row, with seven treble switches so it must have a few reed banks?
Really nice shape by the looks of it and cheap too at $350
CF.. I'd guess seller says key of C.

If any one is interested PM me and I'll send you the link.

Where is this located? I've sent you a PM.

Scott
Title: Re: Chicago Irish-American accordions
Post by: hickory-wind on February 17, 2018, 01:35:20 PM
I've previously posted the catalogue listing of "Irish Accordions" available from Italian Accordion Mfg. Co. in Chicago in the mid-1950s:

(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b66/StephenChambers/Accordions/scan0003-1.jpg)

The single-row model illustrated thereon evidently being No. 117 on the list, but I now have illustrations of three more models from an IAMC "WAREHOUSE CLEARANCE SALE on Selected New - Display Models - Used Reconditioned Accordions and Concertinas" catalogue that I spotted amongst a "job-lot" of accordion ephemera on American eBay:

(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b66/StephenChambers/Accordions/IAMC%20sale%201.jpg)

No. 229 on the "Sale" list is evidently No. 119 from the "Irish Accordions" one - the same single-row Paolo Soprani "pepperpot grille" model that I have in black, and hickory-wind bought in both red and black, only with the IAMC badging that ours had yet to be given.

(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b66/StephenChambers/Accordions/scan0009_2.jpg)

Whilst No. 230 on the "Sale" list is No. 116, and No. 232 is a (slightly older?) "Custom Built to Order" 2-row, 4-voice, 6-bass model that's not on the "Irish Accordions" list.

I have what I believe to be a few Settimio Sopranis that looks like #228 in your catalog. #383 is GC 3 voice 12 bass. #270 is BbEb 3 voice 12 bass.

Scott

BellingersButtonBoxes.com (http://BellingersButtonBoxes.com)
Title: Re: Chicago Irish-American accordions
Post by: boxcall on February 17, 2018, 02:57:04 PM


(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b66/StephenChambers/Accordions/scan0003-1.jpg)



(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b66/StephenChambers/Accordions/IAMC%20sale%201.jpg)

No. 229 on the "Sale" list is evidently No. 119 from the "Irish Accordions" one - the same single-row Paolo Soprani "pepperpot grille" model that I have in black, and hickory-wind bought in both red and black, only with the IAMC badging that ours had yet to be given.

(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b66/StephenChambers/Accordions/scan0009_2.jpg)



So are you saying that your, my one row "pepperpot grille" were imported by IAMC and would have ended up with their label? Or did other companies import them also.

When did this company go out of business? Or did they , there's another company with a similar name but I don't if that's it. I think it's a different one.
Title: Re: Chicago Irish-American accordions
Post by: triskel on February 17, 2018, 03:41:22 PM
(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b66/StephenChambers/Accordions/IAMC%20sale%201.jpg)

No. 229 on the "Sale" list is evidently No. 119 from the "Irish Accordions" one - the same single-row Paolo Soprani "pepperpot grille" model that I have in black, and hickory-wind bought in both red and black, only with the IAMC badging that ours had yet to be given.

So are you saying that your, my one row "pepperpot grille" were imported by IAMC and would have ended up with their label? Or did other companies import them also.

Yes, the four single-row ones that turned up in "new old-stock" condition, and all the other musical instruments the same guy has been selling over the past couple of years, came from the old IAMC business, and whatever it was called subsequently.

Other people also sold the 2-row "pepperpots", but AFAIK only IAMC imported the 1-row ones - which may have been made especially for them.

Quote
When did this company go out of business? Or did they , there's another company with a similar name but I don't if that's it. I think it's a different one.

The post-war piano accordion boom very noticeably stalled in the mid 1950s (you can see it in the production/export figures of the Italian factories) as the guitar/groups started to take over bigtime in popular music, so businesses like IAMC, and also the likes of Bell's in London, found they needed to cater for the new demands, as did accordion magazines that also started to cater for guitar players, and Italian accordion makers started to build organs and guitars...

I presume the other company with a similar name is Italo-American Accordion Manufacturing Company, also Chicago? And yes, they were always a rival firm.
Title: Re: Chicago Irish-American accordions
Post by: MarioP on February 18, 2018, 06:44:51 AM
I ve a beaver brand D/D# with two glued nicks like the one showed here in the first post ..
Title: Re: Chicago Irish-American accordions
Post by: boxcall on February 19, 2018, 02:12:25 PM
(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b66/StephenChambers/Accordions/IAMC%20sale%201.jpg)

No. 229 on the "Sale" list is evidently No. 119 from the "Irish Accordions" one - the same single-row Paolo Soprani "pepperpot grille" model that I have in black, and hickory-wind bought in both red and black, only with the IAMC badging that ours had yet to be given.

So are you saying that your, my one row "pepperpot grille" were imported by IAMC and would have ended up with their label? Or did other companies import them also.

Yes, the four single-row ones that turned up in "new old-stock" condition, and all the other musical instruments the same guy has been selling over the past couple of years, came from the old IAMC business, and whatever it was called subsequently.

Other people also sold the 2-row "pepperpots", but AFAIK only IAMC imported the 1-row ones - which may have been made especially for them.

Quote
When did this company go out of business? Or did they , there's another company with a similar name but I don't if that's it. I think it's a different one.

The post-war piano accordion boom very noticeably stalled in the mid 1950s (you can see it in the production/export figures of the Italian factories) as the guitar/groups started to take over bigtime in popular music, so businesses like IAMC, and also the likes of Bell's in London, found they needed to cater for the new demands, as did accordion magazines that also started to cater for guitar players, and Italian accordion makers started to build organs and guitars...

I presume the other company with a similar name is Italo-American Accordion Manufacturing Company, also Chicago? And yes, they were always a rival firm.
Thanks triskel and apologies for I see now that the info was already provided at the beginning of this thread.
Title: Re: Chicago Irish-American accordions
Post by: triskel on April 11, 2018, 11:42:44 PM
I have what I believe to be a few Settimio Sopranis that looks like #228 in your catalog. #383 is GC 3 voice 12 bass. #270 is BbEb 3 voice 12 bass.

BellingersButtonBoxes.com (http://BellingersButtonBoxes.com)

I'd reckon, from the grille design and the shape of the keyboard ends, the second, bluer, one is most-likely a Ficosecco Scott.
Title: Re: Chicago Irish-American accordions
Post by: triskel on April 18, 2018, 07:36:32 PM
I have what I believe to be a few Settimio Sopranis that looks like #228 in your catalog. #383 is GC 3 voice 12 bass. #270 is BbEb 3 voice 12 bass.

BellingersButtonBoxes.com (http://BellingersButtonBoxes.com)

I'd reckon, from the grille design and the shape of the keyboard ends, the second, bluer, one is most-likely a Ficosecco Scott.

Compare it, especially the grille (sometimes they used the lyre motif in the grille, other times they didn't, and on this one it's inlaid into the front of the instrument instead) and keyboard ends, with this 23/8, flat keyboard, Pasquale Ficosecco of similar vintage that I've just bought:

(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b66/StephenChambers/Accordions/Ficosecco%20Southport.jpg)
Title: Re: Chicago Irish-American accordions
Post by: pgroff on October 27, 2022, 03:34:05 PM
Hi triskel,

Thanks for sharing those catalog listings! A couple of that last model have turned up over the years, currently owned by players / collectors. Still looking for one myself.

PG

Search of 3 decades rewarded. Here are a model 119 (D) and a model 118 (DC#, LMMM), based on the numbering from Stephen's IAMC catalog.  Both are unlabeled Paolo Sopranis. Thanks to Scott Bellinger for trading me the 119 some years ago.

The 118 I've been searching since seeing a couple very similar ones in the mid 1990s. This example is nearly unplayed and in great shape except for broken bellows straps, slightly tight action at a couple of the bearings (no dirt or corrosion though) and needing just a couple wax cracks sealed. Perfect reeds in factory tuning. Love the MMM voicing, so crisp with the wooden soundboard, but the LMMM is great too.

PG
Title: Re: Chicago Irish-American accordions
Post by: mselic on October 27, 2022, 06:56:18 PM
Sound clip, sound clip, please!  :D

Congrats on a wonderful find, Paul!
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