RARE 19th CENTURY FLUTINA ACCORDION CIVIL WAR ERA!!

Yes, this is a flutina, a type of free-reed instrument popular in the 19th century. While there's no specific evidence that this exact instrument was used during the Civil War, it's certainly possible given the timeframe. Flutinas were portable and could provide entertainment for soldiers during their downtime. The Estate it came from had many interesting items, including Civil War Era items. From the research I've done, this was made in the mid 1800's, around the time of the Civil War, and probably imported into the U.S. from France. All of the keys are Mother of Pearl. As you can see, one of the Mother of Pearl pieces is broken off, but the key is still present. The pad under one of the keys is missing and will need to be replaced if you intend to restore it. Also, there is a hole in one side of the bellows. The case itself is very solid. Remarkably, it does still manage to play notes. But i will be selling this as a Historic Display item or one to be a project restore piece. Measures approximately 9" X 3.25" X 4" (closed) Some "Flutina" accordions were imported into the United States and were common photographers' studio props. This imparted a touch of "culture" to the sitter, hence the many tintype, ambrotype, etc. images of men and women, with their hands poised over "Flutinas," which they may (or may not) have actually played. Many of the images date from the 1850s through the American Civil War period (1861–1865).

Condition

Used (normal wear)

Type

Flutina Accordion Busson