Castelfidardo (AN), Italy
O.R.A. di Guerrini Aldo (factory)

Wood, metal, fabric, mother-of-pearl, leather
ca. 1980s-1990s
Length: 15.25 in, Width: 15 in, Depth: 8.25 in
Wind Instruments – Free Reed

A diatonic button accordion locally known in Slovakia as – “Frajtonarca” or ”Štajerka”.  This free reed instrument first appeared around 100 years ago and in Slovenia, and is today considered their most popular folk instrument.  At weddings, birth celebrations, birthdays, anniversaries, and festivals of all types you will most likely find this instrument accompanying singing, or played in folk bands which may include with the frajtonarca, a guitar, string bass, and singers. 

This instrument is made of a medium-stained wood, silver metal, mother of pearl, and dark mother of pearl, as well as a red leather fabric and a red felt fabric. The instrument has 48 light mother of pearl buttons and 15 dark mother of pearl buttons on opposite sides. Near either side of the darker buttons are four silver bell-like sections with red felt. The silver metal on the instrument is highly stylized, as are the padded straps which feature a floral design with red, white, blue, and yellow embroidery. The straps also include leather sections with buckles.

The instrument has an inscription on a section of silver metal reading “Harmonikafabrik / O. R. A.” and underneath a stylized plate featuring two angels blowing horns. Gold and black lettered stickers have been attached to this plate reading “K.H.F.”  (According to Phillip Nadvesnik, the full name of the company is “O.R.A. di Guerrini Aldo,” who was a former producer of accordions in Castelfidardo (AN), Italy, which included alpine style steirische harmonikas (button accordions) and piano accordions.  The instrument came in a leather-covered hard case with padded green fur interior.

Resource: https://accordionmaniac.com/2018/11/what-accordion-will-give-you-the-typical-slovenian-sound/