Chiff and Fipple Forums

I have a "suspicion" but I am not sure: Could this be a Patsy Brown - bellows?

This is how I got it:
https://www2.pic-upload.de/img/35665212/cIMG_0166.jpg
https://www2.pic-upload.de/img/35665255 ... daise6.jpg

I put it back in a (possibly more original) "NSP-bellows-style:
https://www2.pic-upload.de/img/35665271/SAM_0634.jpg
(concerning qualty of the pic: Cudos to Mr. Lumix for the heap of sh.t!)

Thanks for hints etc. !
Hans

Here are pics of quite similiar bellows but I dunno who made them:

https://www2.pic-upload.de/img/35665442/03.jpg
https://www2.pic-upload.de/img/35665456 ... llows1.jpg

I own 2 sets of Brown bellows and both have design elements that don't seem to appear in the photos. Metal hinges rather than leather laces. A metal loop and clasp on the front of the top clapper where the leather strap for the arm attaches. Large metal air intake covers (the second set below has his name stamped on the metal).





You can see these same features on the bellows being played by Mr Brown in this portrait.



The bellows might have some elements similar to Taylor bellows? These are the original bellows for my Taylor set. Could that be a possibility?

Well - apart from the hinges I see strong similiarities - and the (mother-of-toilet seat ) air-intake seems to be non-original.

The workmanship of Taylors would be "some levels higher" than mine, though. I can rule that out.

(and I think Taylors´ bellow-clapers had round rims)

Thanks anyway!
Hans

Yes the edges of the clappers on the Taylor set are rounded. That are on the Brown sets as well, although perhaps not quite as much.

If it’s useful here is a photo of the reverse side. Neither Brown set has a belt with metal brackets on the reverse side, as does the Taylor set pictured and most most modern bellows. They connect to the body using a two part belt system. They also have a hose connector joint is threaded where they connect to the bellows, and screw in. They are very well made.

Good luck! Hope this is useful.

I recently recovered a bellows built for a child that had the same general shape of the original poster's set. The paddles were too badly damaged to re-use, but the old cheeks were clearly marked Leo Rowsome. The set was in some state but had no metal work for hinges.

The leather was nailed to the paddles, with no sign of having been stitched. Perhaps cut down some time in the past? The nailing had rusted and resulted in severe damage to the paddles edges. The paddle lengths were approx 190 mm.

Pwrt