Concertina

Charles Wheatstone

1831–37 · Rosewood, nickel-silver, leather, paper, ivory, tortoiseshell; case of mahogany · Musical Instruments

After the symphonium, Wheatstone invented the concertina, a more versatile bellows-blown instrument. This example predates the final patented form of 1844. The English concertina does not easily play chords; instead, pressure and suction produce the same note. With the chromatic range of a violin, English concertinas were intended for playing Classical music and became fashionable during the Victorian era.

Artist

Charles Wheatstone

Date

1831–37

Medium

Rosewood, nickel-silver, leather, paper, ivory, tortoiseshell; case of mahogany

Culture

British

Department

Musical Instruments

Credit line

Purchase, Robert Alonzo Lehman Bequest, 2003