Spotted this box on ebay. Looks like someone has put it back together the wrong way? Or maybe someone knows something I don't?!

Regards

Andy W

I think first option.
Gus

I bet someone installed the end frame onto the bellows wrong.

Chris is probably right. Could the single spoon be an air button?

Gus

It's a special box for a left-handed player who can also play with his right hand upside-down.
That's a very tricky technique.

Yes,very tricky, a left handed player, who can play with his right hand upside-down...and can handle two air buttons

Wilfred

Wow, you rarely see these and never in such good condition! This is the rare “sweetheart melodeon” that was popular in Pomerania and Upper Silesia late in the nineteenth century. The instrument was played by two musicians. They would sit facing each other while each played their respective right-hand side of the instrument with their right hand.
This was especially popular at the time because, as you know, beginners often find the left-hand side to be the most difficult to master. With this arrangement, both sides effectively became the right-hand side and no one ever had to play with their left hand again.
This instrument was briefly in vogue as a courtship ritual. Young couples would while away hours on the porch making music. Although some found the new fad scandalous at the time, the practice gained the approval of anxious parents who felt reassured that nothing indecent could be happening as long as they heard the music played by their daughter and her suitor. That’s why this was also known as the “chaperon melodeon.”
Sadly, as the courtships progressed and their playing skills improved, many couples could not resist the urge to pull out all the stops and that is why so few of these fine instruments survive today.
I’m surprised you didn’t know this.
Claude

peace,
Griff

best explanation I have ever heard, Claude. Even if it is not true, it´s great. Gonna check it on Wikipolska

Gus

snix.....
peace,
Griff

So there is only one bass spoon? does he play the melody with knife and fork, any idea?

suG

It is not Polish (...) but a real German harminoka.
Gus

Boy oh boy...Rick Reid is really rubbing off on all you guys!

I love it!

Great explanation !
It's a great chance to check relations between two people.
I think it's just as good as putting wallpaper on the wall or riding a two-persons-bike with two persons offcourse.

I just read this thread. I'm laughing so hard I'm crying!

I needed that!

R!CK