Get your toes tapping with this vintage collectible…

It’s time to get the party started!

At Past and Present Home Gallery we’ve got an eclectic vintage item that is sure to make you want to kick up your heels and dance!  Or maybe you will want to hop and twirl instead! 

“What is it?”, you ask.  Why, it’s a fabulous Excelsior Accordiana accordion, Model 305.  This retro beauty is red with mother of pearl finish and has an extended keyboard.  It’s quite a looker!

When was the last time you heard an accordion play?  Was it while watching Myron Floren on the Lawrence Welk Show?  Was it at Polka Mass?  How about a barn dance or a house party in the basement?  Accordions are meant for fun, and became known as the instrument for everyday folks.

Instrument for the Masses

The accordion was invented by Friedrich Buschmann in 1822 in Berlin.  He called it the Hanaoline, but in 1829, Cyrillus Damian of Vienna created another version of the instrument and gave it the name accordion because of the addition of buttons, played by the left hand that sounded chords.  From the onset of its creation, the accordion started to conquer Europe, later spreading around the world.

Except for a brief time during the 1830s and 1840s when the accordion was heard by French aristocracy during Salon music concerts, the instrument has always been associated with common people.

This new instrument’s popularity among the common masses was a result of its unique qualities.  First of all, it was much louder than all the other folk instruments.  It could easily be heard even in the wildest pub above the stomping of dancing feet.  It is also a prototype of a “one man band” with bass and chords on the left-hand side and buttons for the melody on the right, and you could still sing along and beat the rhythm with your feet. It also needed no tuning.

Golden Age of the Accordion

The accordion’s popularity spread throughout the world most likely because of the polka craze.  The popularity continued along with European immigration at the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. It continued in popularity by being included in contemporary music of the day from the 1900s to the 1960s.  This half century is often called the “Golden Age of the Accordion.”

The Excelsior Company was established in New York in 1924 and has long been serving the market with great accordions. 

The greatest appreciation of Excelsior accordions was reached after World War II and they became a “must” for any big orchestra.  In 1948 a new plant was established in Castelfidardo, Italy to expand production and sales.  Today Excelsior still produces accordions with its best traditional craftsmanship.  It has been said that to own an Excelsior accordion is like owning a prestigious instrument and following the path of the best accordion players of the past and present.

Come on in to the store and check out this popular vintage instrument.  While you are here, spend a little time browsing around “Memory Lane” and taking a look at our one-of-a-kind items and antiques. We’re Past and Present Home Gallery, the antique store with character… and with this fine collectible, your best chance to polka again!