Hi im trying to find out info on a "sterling " accordian...and cannot find much at all just that monarch was the first company name...then sterling?we have one and just trying to figure thing s out...i have pics but can never figure out no matter what how to add pics in any forums...any stating point for more info will help me thank you
actually i just figured out how to search this site and see alot but any thing else let me know...it is metallic grey inlay almost looks like mother of pearl

I did check and find that it seems rare...but i would like to be able to find out history id,pictures to compare and nothing ..on internet i see more Sterling Silver Charms coming up for the accordian search...I know either that usually really good(rare) or really bad(not) when you cannot find it
always seems to be the case with me
thanks for your time again

Rose,

Call Savoy Music Center in Eunice, LA. (337) 457-9563. Ask for Marc Savoy.

I can tell you this much: They are old German accordions. If you know your history you will know that when Hitler gained power in 1933 he industrialized the nation to make instruments of war rather than pleasure. These accordions ceased to be available after that, and given their limited production time my guess starting in the mid or late 1800s, they certainly would be rare.

Accordions came here by German manufacture, but contrary to popular belief, not German immigrants. The accordions were already here, and popularized by Black Creoles who then passed the syncopated style of playing on to their white Cajun counterparts. The Cajuns kept the syncopation, and added their own repetoire of melodies, and the birth of Cajun "style" of accordion was birthed.

The types of accordions you are interested in did not start appearing in "Cajun Country" retailing stores until 1900. The first advertisement for such an instrument was in the Opelousas Clarion Newsletter in 1901. The first types that came about were garbage. They hard to play, bulky, and poorly made. These were Lester, Pinetree, and Bruno brands, and not only did they suck to play, but they came in keys unfamiliar to us or somewhat uncomfortable for any fiddler, keys like F and A. In the 1920s the Monarchs hit the scene who were later bought by Sterling, who then changed the name to Eagle, but they were all petty much the same. The cajuns and creoles loved these things. they called them les ti noires. cause they were smaller, all black, with pewter trim, and brass button covers. They were ordered in more comfortable keys, D, G, and C. After the factories were unable to send more the Cajuns and Creoles, unable to get parts or new instruments, began to work on their own accordions to keep them going. This birthed the Louisiana Handmade era, starting with Sidney Brown, then Marc Savoy (correct me if I'm wrong guys). They built their accordions from the image of les Ti Noirs.

So there is a little history for you. I hope this helps. Good luck with the accordion, hopefully you will get it in playing condition, and belt out some tunes on that thing rather than sell it, which from your questions seems what you intend to do. Good Luck !!!

...or just read here from the website.

http://www.meloche.net/acchist.htm

WF

I believe that the Sterling and Monarch brands were originally built by Weltmeister which, being located in East Germany, had to use these names during the cold war. These names were dropped in favor of Weltmeister after the Iron Curtain fell. Kimric Smythe of Smythe's Accordion Center in Oakland, CA is an expert on Weltmeister and he can tell you all about them.

I've been doing some research myself and I too have come to the conclusion that "Monarch", "Sterling", and "Weltmeister" have some sort of a connection and they were most likely built by the same company. You can look on the right side facing on these accordions and you might find it to be obvious. The "crown and lace" graphics seem to be a tell-tale sign and have quite a story to tell. Although the modern-day "Weltmeisters" share the same likeness as Hohner's "Ariette" model. don't be fooled. I've heard those accordions on YouTube and they do sound quite loud and are very well tuned. Like I said, from the front, they may appear like the "Ariettes" but the right side facings are very much like those of the "Monarchs" and "Sterlings". Believe me, they're not a cheap accordion. They cost somewhere between $845.00 and $1,000.00 American Money. These "Weltmekstere" can put Hohner's "Ariette" and Gabbanelli's Cajun "King" accordions to shame. Gabbanelli's Cajun "King" accordions are quite beautiful but are too gaudy-looking and do not have the same sound quality of one by Randy Falcon or Marc Savoy. The same can be said about Hohner's "Ariette" and slim "114 A" models. Oh, by the way, "Weltmeister" is the German word for "World Champion" or "World Master". So there you go.

I read somewhere that the names Sterling, Monarch, Globe, etc, were the importing company, not the manufacturer.

Actually, the importing company's name was "B. & J. Sole Importers" out of New York City. They're the ones who imported these accordions and believe it or not, according to my friend, Randy Falcon, "B. & J." are still in business today. "Monarch" and "Sterling" accordions shared the same body design while "Eagle Brand Special" and "Globe" accordions were slightly taller and had no outer corner plates. Also according to Randy Falcon, "Eagle Brand Special" and "Globe accordions were NOT made by the same company who made "Monarch" and "Sterling" accordions. I'm not sure who imported "Eagle Brand Special" and "Globe" accordions but like I said, I know B. & J. imported "Monarch and "Sterling" accordions. I wouldn't be surprised if B. & J. imports the "Weltmeister" accordions today. Boy, that woukd be something.

Hi, there.
I have an antique "accordean"from Sole Importers (the accordian also has the carved inscription, B & J., N.Y.). It is not in great shape, but I would like to know if anyone has an idea of what its value might be. I think the model name (I don't think he was THE OWNER!) is "Franz Schubert." If it was his personal accordian, and it was inscribed with his name, I assume it is worth a lot. But, either way, instruments from Sole Importers are pretty expensive on Ebay.
Can someone please give me an idea of the monetary worth of this instrument or a solid company to use for an appraisal?
Thank you!

The Weltmeisters are slightly "better" built than an Ariette as for construction and air tightness, i had a D for a while, but the reeds they used then (Chinese?) were not so good, and they have two standing reedblocks influencing sound. I know one souped up Cajun King which is definitely "better" sounding, louder and more like the real LA ones, but has a more bulky feel than this Weltmeister or again the real LA handmade thing. Weltmeisters were also sold under the name Harmona in Europe.

I borrowed an quite old H114 C a while back in 2007, was my first experience with one rows, and still think that it was the best sounding of any one row i heard, maybe not for some top class LA handmade accordions. Fatter and thicker sounding, loud too, but sluggish to play compared with a Weltmeister-Harmona, and quite less efficient with air. A Weltmeister is a good choice for a beginner, if you don't pay too much for it, i saw some overpriced USA advertised.

Be aware that not all the LA accordion makers are of the same quality; saw & done repairs on some not so well made ones; and if you look for a reasonably priced factory made and useful instrument with a good "Cajun Accordion" sound i'd favor a souped up Cajun King or H114 from Marc Savoy's shop.

Weltmeisters were also sold under the name Harmona .... and there are more european brands like Beltuna:



-Nout

Yes, you do have the right to your own opinion about accordions. But Me, Personally, I prefer "Weltmeisters" because they sound more like "Monarch" and "Sterling" accordions and are made more for the Traditionalist like myself. Gabbanelli's Cajun "King" has a different tuning than you would expect from one made by Marc Savoy, Randy Falcon, or Junior Martin. No one can beat them. They all makes very good accordion as you may know. But as far as imports, I would go with the "Weltmeisters" Gabbanelli's Cajun "King" accordion is made more for Zydeco style players and not Traditional Cajun Music. They just don't have that sound. I've been playing accordion now for nearly 27 years and I've played a lot of them. The good, the bad, the ugly... I've played them all. The closest thing I've ever heard to Marc's, Randy's, or Junior's accordions are the German-Made "Weltmeister" accordions. They have the more Authentic Cajun sound and furthermore "Weltmeister" is the same company who made "Monarch" and "Sterling" accordions before World War II. So there you go. Hohner and Gabbaneilli are no match for Weltmeister. To Me, Hohner is more for the beginner while Weltmeister is more for the advanced Traditional player and Gappanelli is more for Zydeco style players. Yes, when it comes to Traditional Cajun Music, those "Weltmeisters" can put Hohner's "Ariette" and Gabbanelli's Cajun "King to shame!!