Flutina
Keith Prowse and Co.
Category
Musical instruments, devices and recordings
Date
circa 1830 - circa 1870
Materials
Rosewood and mother-of-pearl.
Measurements
123 mm (Width) x 145 mm (Depth); 364 mm (Length)
Place of origin
Cheapside
Order this imageCollection
Snowshill Manor and Garden, Gloucestershire
NT 1335374.1
Caption
Flutinas are early precursors of the accordion and the name is specific to the English version. The earliest versions were made in France and the first recorded factory was Napoleon Fourneux in Paris. English dealers would alter the French instruments and then stamp their own company name inside.
Summary
Flutina, an early form of Accordion, anon. probably French mid 19th century. Marked 'Keith Prowse, 48 Cheapside, London' on top and base. Probably rosewood inlaid with boxwood. Mother-of-pearl key coverings. Some keys and dampers missing. Textile bellows decorated with coloured patterns, edged with leather. Air control key in base. In notebook no.4, page 11 (1340945.4) Charles Wade refers to: 'Music Room 123. Accordian, by Keith Prowse Rosewood inlaid, carved pearl keys, c.1840, with Mahogany Box.'
Provenance
Given to the National Trust with Snowshill Manor in 1951 by Charles Paget Wade.
Marks and inscriptions
Top and base: Keith Prowse, 48 Cheapside, London
Makers and roles
Keith Prowse and Co., dealer
References
Wade, 1944: Charles Paget Wade, Contents of Snowshill Manor. Volume 4 First and Second Floor, 1944, page 10