Wurlitzer Accordion Value Guide

The 1940s Wurlitzer accordion is a hallmark of mid-century musical craftsmanship, blending American branding with superior Italian manufacturing. These instruments are highly collectible for their robust sound and iconic cream and black grille aesthetics that defined the era's professional music scene.

What Is Wurlitzer Accordion Worth?

The typical price range for Wurlitzer Accordion is $350 - $450 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The airtightness and physical condition of the leather and cloth bellows significantly impact the $350-$450 valuation.
• Functionality of all piano keys and bass buttons, ensuring no sticking or internal reed damage.
• The preservation of the celluloid exterior, specifically looking for a lack of cracking or 'celluloid rot'.
• Originality of the leather shoulder straps and the presence of the original hardshell carrying case.

How to Identify Wurlitzer Accordion?

• Check for the Rudolph Wurlitzer Company branding, often located prominently on the front grille or above the keyboard.
• Verify the presence of the classic 1940s cream and black celluloid finish on the body and keys.
• Look for 'Made in Italy' stamps or labels, as Wurlitzer outsourced much of their accordion production to Italian artisans.
• Examine the piano-style keyboard and the specific metalwork patterns unique to mid-century Wurlitzer designs.

History of Wurlitzer Accordion

The Rudolph Wurlitzer Company, founded in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1853, was a prominent American company known for manufacturing musical instruments, particularly pianos, organs, and later, jukeboxes. While they are perhaps most famous for their jukeboxes, Wurlitzer also produced a range of accordions during the mid-20th century. These accordions were often Italian-made under the Wurlitzer brand, known for their quality craftsmanship and robust sound, appealing to both amateur and professional musicians of the era.