F.C. Nickolds 48 button English #8687 circa 1860-65
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Comments
This is a very rare Nickolds English concertina (there are only three examples in the Wayne collection at The Horniman Museum) with characteristic 'hooked' pivot posts and open reed plate holes (see top left photo). John Nickolds (b.1787) was an ex-toolmaker for Wheatstone who formed his own company c1848 which became Nickolds Bros when his sons, Frederick Charles and Thomas (also ex Wheatstone men) joined him c1856. Thomas left to form Nickolds, Crabb & Co three years later and the company became F.C. Nickolds until it closed c1888. The Horniman #8310 is a Nickolds Bros whereas #8335 is a F.C. Nickolds, so #8687 is probably an F.C. Nickolds from c1860-5.
Historical context: 1860-5
First run of the Pony Express from Saint Joseph, MO to Sacramento, CA. The American Civil War begins at Fort Sumter, South Carolina. Charles Dodgson (Lewis Carroll) writes a story for 10-year-old Alice Liddell. International Red Cross formed by sixteen countries meeting in Geneva. First condom made by the International Condom Company. The Matterhorn is climbed by Edward Whymper in tragic circumstances.
Features
tuned to modern pitch: no
reeds: steel
ends: rosewood
bellows: 4 fold
box: Leatherette covered softwood
general condition: unrestored
for sale: SOLD
