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[Barry Tolson]

After removing the frames from a bellows I noticed 2 notches cut in the end of each frame. I cannot see how the orientation of these notches would matter when everything goes back together, so I wonder what the purpose of these notches might be. Any thoughts?

[Rog]

They might be there to accommodate reed block clips...but the important thing is to put the frames back *exactly* how they came off I.e. on the same side and the same orientation. I always mark bellows frames with pencil to avoid later confusion.

[Kimric Smythe]

I second the notion of marking the frames. The frames are often biased or offset to accommodate registers on the left , or stops on the ends.
 The bellows pin holes are also often drilled after the instrument is assembled during final fit and will not line up even if the frame fits fine in a different orientation.

[Henry Piper]

After removing the frames from a bellows I noticed 2 notches cut in the end of each frame. I cannot see how the orientation of these notches would matter when everything goes back together, so I wonder what the purpose of these notches might be. Any thoughts?

They are to accomodate the "screw in" type reed block retaining clips, as others have said it is important to replace the bellows retaining the original orientation,..... there are sometimes minor innacuracies  that could give rise to air leaks or failure to re- seat properly.

[Theo]

All good information.

If it's Hohner bellows then the two cutouts go on the treble side and at the lower end of the box.

[folkloristmark]

If its a hohner box as original it wont go back together with out those cut outs alighned with the screw ends over the  block retainers. I see you have cut outs on both ends so is there raised block ends on both ends or has some one matched old ends. If you cross use other bellows between different boxes and box types be aware how the blocks sit inside the box when assembled, these cuts outs allow the blocks to sit further into the bellows with out fouling the edges.Check each ends action with the oppersite end removed it is very common for the bass end leathers to foul the bellows and not return flat that often gives a groal to the base.some times if not quite right, it just seems the bellows wont quite fit or seal and you think its the bellows ends but is the non cut out wood fouling the blocks if you rotate the end you will see what I mean. As long as the bellows seal  then they can be reversed but with no wood cuts  if the blocks foul they wont seal.

[Barry Tolson]

   Picture is as the frames were situated when I got this Hohner box recently. Upon further inspection I found a groove worn on each outside end of each frame...caused by rubbing against the points of screws that affix the bellows straps. More damage to be addressed. Will have to either back out the screws or install shorter screws...then repair where they have rubbed.
    I now suspect that perhaps the bellows are not original to this box. Those 2 grooves on one end of each frame are definitely not required to accommodate anything in my box..even if installed backwards.
    Thanks to all who commented. I learn so much from this forum and enjoy it immensely!     

[Tiposx]

Looks as if the box has been shimmed inside to fit the smaller replacement bellows.

[Barry Tolson]

Tiposx, I don't think so. But, there is a groove cut inside the frame of the bass side, which can be seen on the right side of the photo. Without that groove, the frame would not fit the bass side.