Standard Violin Pieces Sheet Music (Music for the Million Series) Appraisal
Category: Sheet Music
Description
The item is a vintage sheet music book titled "Standard Violin Pieces," part of the "Music for the Million" series. This softcover book features an orange cover with blue and white decorative elements, including a prominent rectangular title block with the words "STANDARD VIOLIN PIECES." Below the title, it states "CONTAINING FORTY-FIVE CELEBRATED COMPOSITIONS FOR VIOLIN WITH PIANO ACCOMPANIMENT BY FAMOUS COMPOSERS INCLUDING" followed by a list of composers such as Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, Handel, and many others. The cover design is typical of early 20th-century sheet music publications, featuring elaborate borders and decorative flourishes. A notable feature is the Mumil Publishing Company, New York inscription near the bottom. The number "75" is visible in a circle in the bottom right corner, likely indicating a price or catalog number. The cover appears to be made of paper or thin cardstock. Visible condition issues include an overall aged appearance, potential edge wear not clearly visible in the image, and slight fading of the orange color. The binding appears to be stapled or stitched, though this is not clearly discernible. The style suggests a publication date likely in the first half of the 20th century. The overall quality appears functional, consistent with a mass-produced music publication of that era.
Appraisal Report
I have examined the image of the "Standard Violin Pieces" sheet music book, part of the "Music for the Million" series, published by Mumil Publishing Company, New York. Based on the visual evidence, the item appears to be an authentic vintage publication from the early to mid-20th century, consistent with similar mass-produced sheet music of that era. The cover design, typography, and mention of prominent composers align with the style of the period. The visible condition shows signs of age, including overall toning, likely some edge wear and creasing (though not fully discernible in the image), and potential fading. The "75" mark likely indicates a price at the time of publication. Authenticity from images alone is limited; a physical examination would be needed to confirm paper quality, binding integrity (stapled or stitched), and to check for internal completeness, foxing, or other damage not visible externally. Provenance, if available, documenting the book's history, would further aid in authentication. Mass-produced sheet music from this period, even containing popular compositions, is relatively common. While it holds historical interest for both musicians and collectors of ephemera, the market demand for such items is generally modest unless the book has exceptional rarity (which this does not appear to have) or a unique association. Comparables in similar condition typically sell in the range of \$10 to \$30 depending on the specific contents and publisher. The value is primarily driven by its historical charm and utility rather than significant monetary rarity. My appraisal value reflects its typical market value for a collector of vintage sheet music or someone seeking the musical contents. Limitations: Authenticity verification from the image is limited. A full authentication would require in-person examination to verify paper type, printing process, and binding method, and to assess internal condition. Provenance documents, if they exist, would also be crucial.
Appraisal Value
$15-25