Concert Numbers Series One Sheet Music Cover for Violin and Piano Appraisal
Category: Sheet Music
Description
This item is a single sheet of vintage paper, the cover of a collection of sheet music titled "CONCERT NUMBERS" SERIES ONE arranged for Violin and Piano. The paper is naturally aged, exhibiting a yellowish-tan patina and showing some wear along the edges, including small tears and creasing, particularly in the upper left corner. The design is printed in dark blue ink on a light yellow background. The top features the title "CONCERT NUMBERS" within an ornate rectangle. Below this, a decorative border incorporating classical columns flanks a central panel listing the individual musical pieces included in the collection. To the left of this panel is an illustration of a seated woman playing the violin, accompanied by a person playing a grand piano. The musical selection is listed in two columns. At the bottom of the cover, the publisher information is printed: "Published by CENTURY MUSIC PUBLISHING CO. 231-235 W. 40th St. New York, USA" on the left side. On the right side, there is a faint stamp or printing indicating "EMPORIUM MUSIC DEPARTMENT". The overall style of the illustration and the typography suggests a publication date likely in the early 20th century, potentially in the Art Nouveau or early Art Deco period, given the decorative elements and illustration style. The quality of the paper appears to be standard sheet music paper for the era. Although the wear is visible, the main design and text are still legible. No specific composer or complete list of works is fully discernible from the image.
Appraisal Report
Based on my visual examination of the provided image of the Concert Numbers Series One Sheet Music cover for Violin and Piano, I can offer the following appraisal. The item shows expected aging with a yellowish-tan patina on the paper, consistent with early 20th-century publications. The wear, including small tears and creasing, particularly in the upper left, is typical for paper items of this age and use. The printing in dark blue ink on a light yellow background is legible, and the decorative design, including the illustration and border, is discernible despite the condition issues. The publisher information, "CENTURY MUSIC PUBLISHING CO. 231-235 W. 40th St. New York, USA" and the "EMPORIUM MUSIC DEPARTMENT" stamp, appear authentic to the period. Vintage sheet music covers, while collectible, generally do not command high values unless they feature iconic composers, performers, popular works, or exceptional artwork. This cover's appeal lies primarily in its vintage aesthetic and representation of the era's music publishing. Based on current market conditions for comparable vintage sheet music covers in similar condition and lacking specific information about highly sought-after musical content, the value is modest. Demand for such items is niche, primarily among collectors of vintage sheet music, paper ephemera, or those with a specific interest in the Century Music Publishing Company. Rarity is difficult to assess from an image alone; mass-produced sheet music from this period is generally not rare unless it is a first edition of a significant work or has unique attributes. The condition, while showing wear, does not severely detract from the visual appeal of the cover itself, which is the primary collectible aspect here. Factors limiting value include the lack of famous composers or widely recognized works (not fully visible) and the standard nature of the publication. It is crucial to note that authenticating this item solely through an image has limitations. A physical inspection would allow for a tactile assessment of the paper quality, verification of printing techniques, and closer examination of the wear symptoms to confirm authenticity and age. Provenance documentation, if available, detailing the item's history would further aid in authentication. Scientific testing, such as paper fiber analysis or ink composition analysis, could provide conclusive proof of age and authenticity, but this is typically reserved for items of much higher potential value. Without physical inspection and further information, this appraisal is based on the visual characteristics and typical market trends for similar items.
Appraisal Value
$5-15