Sheet Music: I’D LOVE TO CALL YOU MY SWEETHEART Appraisal
Category: Sheet Music
Description
This is a piece of vintage sheet music for the song “I’D LOVE TO CALL YOU MY SWEETHEART.” The cover is printed on yellow paper with black ink, featuring a central illustration of a man and woman embracing in a lush, vine-covered setting with a tall, narrow window in the background. The title is prominently displayed at the top in large, stylized font that has a slightly decorative or Art Deco influence. Below the illustration are the names of the composers: PAUL ASH, JOE GOODWIN, and LARRY SHAY. A smaller black and white portrait photo is included in the lower left corner, featuring a man identified as MILTON CHARLES, “FAMOUS ORGANIST.” In the lower center, a publisher's mark is visible, reading “MILTON WEIL MUSIC CO., 38 W. RANDOLPH ST., CHICAGO.” The phrase “MADE IN U.S.A.” is printed directly below the portrait. The sheet music appears to be folded vertically and shows some wear along the edges and spine consistent with age and handling. There are creases and some minor tears along the perimeter. The overall condition suggests it has been used and stored over many years. The style of the illustration and typography points to an early 20th-century aesthetic, likely from the 1920s or 1930s. There are no other readily visible markings or indications of manufacturing details beyond the publisher and country of origin. The quality of printing seems standard for the era.
Appraisal Report
I have examined the provided image of the sheet music for "I’D LOVE TO CALL YOU MY SWEETHEART." Based on my visual assessment, the item appears to be an authentic vintage piece consistent with the publishing details and stylistic elements of the 1920s or 1930s. The yellow paper, black ink printing, Art Deco-influenced typography, and illustration style are all typical of sheet music from that era. The presence of the specific composers and publisher, Milton Weil Music Co., located in Chicago, further supports its authenticity as a period item. The condition is fair to good vintage condition. It shows significant signs of use and age, including a vertical fold, creasing, wear and minor tears along the edges. While these affect its aesthetic appeal, they are expected for an item of this age that was likely frequently handled and stored in personal collections. There are no signs of repair or restoration visible in the image, which is a positive factor. Vintage sheet music for popular songs of this era has a moderate level of collector demand, particularly for well-known or visually appealing covers. While "I’D LOVE TO CALL YOU MY SWEETHEART" is not an exceptionally rare title, the combination of its age, the engaging cover art featuring the embracing couple, and the portrait of Milton Charles adds to its desirability for some collectors. Comparable sheet music from this period, in similar condition, typically sells in the range I've assigned. Limitations in authentication from an image alone exist. A physical examination would allow me to assess the paper quality and weight more definitively, check for water damage or foxing not clearly visible, and examine the tears more closely. I could also look for printer's marks or codes within the music itself. Provenance documentation, such as where and when the sheet music was acquired, could provide further context but is not strictly necessary for basic authentication of a common item like this within the expected age range.
Appraisal Value
$15 - $30