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Chemnitzer concertina, C

Date1927 ca.

Place DistributedChicago, Illinois, United States, North America

Place MadeChicago, Illinois, United States, North America

ModelPearl Queen

Serial No.4395

SignedEngraved in metal plaque on one of bellows' middle frame: VITAK - ELSNIC CO.
MarkingsMetal grid frame attached to right-hand end frame: PEARL-QUEEN
Stamped in red-ink on bass side reed blocks: Made by / VITAK - ELSNIC COMPANY / 4639 So. Ashland Av. / CHICAGO, ILL.
Handwritten in pencil on bass side: Tune by J. Vicevich
Stamped on hi-lo switch lever: 88
Handwritten in pencil on treble side components: 12
Handwritten in pencil on bass side components: 9
DescriptionLarge square-shaped concertina with chamfered corners of Chemnitzer style with a 102-key system (quadruple-reed). Darkwood veneered case painted in black with golden-color lacquer applied overall, and abalone shell inlay work. Fifteen-fold bellows, arranged in groups of five-fold with two middle-frames. Bellows in black leather with metallic green paper, and nickel-silver protective staves and corners. Treble side has 28 buttons, and bass side has 23 buttons. Round wooden buttons covered in white celluloid material and flat pearl tops, arranged in arched rows. Hi-Lo switch lever, and air valve key on treble side. Bass sound box.

The "Pearl Queen" chemnitzer concertinas were one of the mainstays of German-Polish-Czech-American music scene from the 1920s to the 1960s. The brand was manufactured for retailers (Otto) Georgi & (Louis) Vitak, and later, for (Louis) Vitak & (Joseph) Elsnic Company. Most of the American-made instruments were made in Chicago by Otto A. Schlicht (1873-1938) and his associates. Concertinas with abalone shell finish were high-end professional instruments. This particular example was also tuned by John Vicevich (1878-1943), who worked for Vitak-Elsnic.
DimensionsOverall footprint (with bellows closed):
- length: 420mm
- height: 240mm
- depth: 280mm
ProvenanceThis instrument belonged and was used by Herman F. Waller Sr. (1881-1950) of Webster, South Dakota, great grandfather of donor.

Credit LineGift of Randy Bohn, 2024

Object number15839

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