Walt Disney's Alice in Wonderland Sheet Music - 'I'm Late'

This is a vintage piece of sheet music for the song 'I'm Late' from Walt Disney’s 1951 animated feature 'Alice in Wonderland.' The cover features vibrant, multi-color lithographic artwork depicting Alice, the White Rabbit, the Cheshire Cat, and other whimsical characters from the film. The item is printed on standard medium-weight paper of the era, measuring approximately 9x12 inches. Notable markings include the credits for lyrics by Bob Hilliard and music by Sammy Fain, a listed price of 50 cents, and the Walt Disney Music Company publisher imprint. Notably, there is a handwritten owner signature or inscription in the upper left yellow banner area dated 'August 11, 1951,' which provides a contemporary provenance. The condition shows moderate age-related wear, including minor edge fraying, slight corner rounding, and light foxing or yellowing of the paper stock. Some creasing is visible near the spine and corners, typical for paper ephemera of this age. The high-quality mid-century graphic design and character accuracy indicate it is an authentic licensed product from the film's original release cycle.

I have conducted a visual examination of the 1951 sheet music for 'I'm Late' from Walt Disney's Alice in Wonderland. The lithographic cover art remains vibrant, retaining the signature mid-century aesthetic that makes Disney paper ephemera highly collectible. Based on the typography, graphic style, and the 50-cent price point, this appears to be an authentic first-edition print coinciding with the film's original release. The presence of a contemporary date (August 11, 1951) enhances its historical appeal, though the ink signature is on the cover rather than hidden, which can be viewed by some collectors as a minor flaw despite the provenance it provides. The condition is graded as 'Good' to 'Very Good' (VG). While the paper shows typical signs of 'shelf wear'—including minor foxing, edge fraying, and corner rounding—these are expected for a 70-year-old document. Market demand for early Alice in Wonderland items remains steady, though sheet music is a high-volume collectible compared to rare animation cels. Comparable sales for licensed 1951 Disney sheet music typically fall within the $30 to $100 range depending on the specific character featured; the White Rabbit and Alice are top-tier subjects. Limitations: This appraisal is based on photographic evidence. A physical inspection is required to check for internal page integrity, hidden acidic tape repairs, or scent-based evidence of mold/mildew. Full authentication would involve verifying the paper's fiber composition under UV light to ensure it is not a modern high-quality reproduction and confirming the ink absorption levels of the 1951 inscription.