This set of web pages is the latest iteration of the Crane Duet Concertina website. That site was originally created by Steve Phillips and was later brought back to life of ICA’s then-webmaster Colin Whyles to be managed as part of the International Concertina Association site. The text below comes from Steve Phillips’ original site:
While the history of the Crane Duet, also known as the Triumph Duet or the Butterworth System, is not exactly shrouded in mystery, much of the available information is scattered in different places. The aim of this site is to try and bring all of the pieces together, for the benefit of all owners and players, current and future, and, we hope, to uncover information which has not been published before.
At the same time, we hope the Gallery will grow to include examples of all of the varieties made over the years. Just because your Crane is “nothing special”, don’t think it won’t find a home in the gallery. The more information we can put together on styles, serial numbers, etc, the better.
We have resisted the temptation to add any kind of discussion forum to this site. www.concertina.net is already a well supported site for discussions on anything concertina related, and that should remain the case. But if you have comments, suggestions, additions, or even complaints, please get in touch.
In the world of concertinas, the Anglo & English systems dominate. Even within the Duet world, the Crane is sometimes overshadowed by the Maccann and now the Hayden system. But to its devotees, it is the best.
We may never know how many were made, or how many still exist, but we hope this website will help to get us some way towards the answers.