Song Book Appraisal

Sing Me a Song Sheet Music Book

This item is a vintage sheet music book titled "Sing Me a Song" by Kurth, McManus, and Carmack, intended likely for children or early music education. The book features a softcover or thin hardcover binding, possibly constructed from cardboard covered with fabric, and measures approximately 9-10 inches in height and 7-8 inches in width, estimated from the provided image scale. The cover color is a faded light teal or mint green, which shows significant discoloration and wear, particularly along the edges and corners. The title, "Sing Me a Song," is printed in black cursive script in the upper portion of the cover. Below the title, the design incorporates a musical staff with black lines and three stylized red musical notes. Within each red note, oval-shaped cutouts reveal illustrations of children's faces — two boys and one girl — each seemingly engrossed in reading from a book or sheet music. The artists' or composers' names, "KURTH," "McMANUS," and "CARMACK," are printed in a stacked, sans-serif font in black on the lower-left quadrant of the cover. Visible condition issues include heavy edge wear, particularly on the left binding edge where the cover material is significantly frayed and torn, exposing what appears to be cardboard or paper underneath. The cover exhibits overall surface dirt, smudges, and areas of discoloration, suggesting extensive use and age. There are no clear manufacturing marks or dates visible on the cover, but the aesthetic and materials suggest a mid-20th century publication, possibly from the 1940s to 1960s. The craftsmanship, typical for children's educational materials of the era, prioritizes durability and visual appeal, though this particular copy shows the effects of time rather significantly. The design is simple yet engaging for its intended audience, with clear typography and charming illustrations.