I am hoping you can help me identify a vintage Hohner diatonic button accordion that belonged to my grandfather. It has been in my family for many years and was professionally restored several years ago. It is currently in working condition.
Unfortunately, I have carefully inspected the exterior and have not been able to locate a serial number or model designation. Some of the original exterior markings also appear to have been lost or obscured over time and during restoration.
I would really appreciate any help identifying the model, approximate age, country/period of manufacture, or anything else you may know about it.
From what I can see it appears to be a (2-voice) Club II B “Victoria”, or (3-voice) Club III B, from the late 1930s. They were still all made in Trossingen at that time.
They were usually in C/F tuning, though some were in Bb/Eb - to play with brass instruments.
I forwarded your photos to the Hohner Accordion Service Department. They say your instrument is a Club 1B, built in Trossingen between the 1940s and the mid-1950s. It’s still in the 1955 catalogue.
These instruments had a 5 or 6 figure serial number, often located as shown in the photos below. From your account it’s possible that this may have been lost in the course of the restoration, but it may be worth a look.
. Hope you have a great day