Don: I am going to put an accordion out on EBAY very soon that might fit your needs. It's basically an Excelsior in "C" but it's got some nice cosmetic improvements. John Roger supplied new hardware, straps (he uses excellent straps), and the face plates have been nicely refinished to create a pretty nice box. Nevertheless, it's still an Excelsior. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but I found this box to be the best way to get a good start. I've played Regals, Ariettes, and those EBAY chinese things, and none of them come close to matching this accordion. I haven't played a King, so I can't offer an opinion on it.
Since I own two handmades, I completely agree that there is no comparison, but let me give you a tiny piece of advice: 13 years ago I wanted to play Cajun Accordion, so I saved up all my money and bought a beautiful Martin. 9 months later, I sold it (for a good price!) out of frustration. I wish I'd never sold it, but I couldn't learn how to play it. 10 years later, I decided that I could give it another try an purposely bought the Excelsior because I knew that the Ariette was crap, but I couldn't make the same investment mistake again (now that prices are much higher too.) The excelsior has great action, great feel, great response, and while the reeds do not compare to a LA made box, to paraphrase my dear old dad "When you become Steve Reilly, you can worry about getting a Martin or Savoy". I've played banjo and I currently play LA made accordions and in both cases, there is a great amount of instrument snobbery. I owned a Deering Calico when I played in a bluegrass band that cost more than two Cajun boxes. As proud as I was with that banjo, I learned a valuable lesson when a guy with a Korean Gold Star played circles around me and more importantly, sounded better.
Anyway, I can supply pics of the box and will offer it to any interested folks out there for $700 (shipping included to USA addresses)before it goes on EBAY. It is in better than new condition, in factory tune, and includes a case.