Sam Fox Library Orchestra Folio No. 6 Appraisal
Category: Sheet Music Folio
Description
The item is a music folio titled "Sam Fox Library Orchestra Folio No. 6." The cover is primarily a reddish-pink color with a black border featuring decorative scrollwork and stylized elements. The title is printed in large, bold font in black text. Below the title, it indicates that it contains "A Collection of Select Compositions for HOTEL CAFE THEATRE MOVING PICTURE and CONCERT ORCHESTRAS." Further details indicate the pricing: "ALL PARTS - 30 CENTS EACH" and "PIANO OR ORGAN PART 60 CENT EACH." At the bottom of the cover, there appears to be a publisher's mark or logo followed by "Sam Fox Pub. Co." and "Cleveland." The folio appears to be a collection of orchestral music tailored for various performance settings, including those associated with the early 20th century, given the reference to "Moving Picture" theaters and the overall graphic style. The edges of the cover show some wear, consistent with age and handling. The binding appears to be simple, perhaps stapled or stitched. The paper likely has yellowed over time. The decorative border suggests a design aesthetic characteristic of the early to mid-20th century. It is a single volume containing multiple musical pieces or arrangements.
Appraisal Report
Based on my visual examination of the provided image of the "Sam Fox Library Orchestra Folio No. 6," I assess its condition as fair to good, consistent with age and apparent significant use. The wear on the edges and potential yellowing of the paper are typical for a printed music folio from the early 20th century. Authenticity, based solely on this image, appears likely; the publisher's mark and location align with known publications of the Sam Fox Publishing Co. at that time. However, without physical inspection, I cannot definitively verify the paper type, printing method, or binding integrity, all of which contribute to authentication. The market for vintage sheet music, particularly orchestral folios from this era targeting specific performance venues like silent movie theaters and cafes, is moderately strong among collectors, musicians, and historical archives. Comparables include other Sam Fox orchestra folios or similar collections by contemporaries like Carl Fischer or Jerome H. Remick, which typically sell in the range of $10 to $30 depending on condition, completeness (whether all parts are included), and specific musical content. Demand for this particular folio would be driven by the quality and historical relevance of the compositions it contains. Rarity is moderate; while not a unique item, these workhorse folios saw considerable use and are not always found intact. Factors significantly impacting value include the completeness of the set (the image shows only the cover) – the value would be considerably higher if all instrumental parts are present – and the condition of the interior pages. In-person examination is crucial to assess the interior condition, verify the presence and condition of all listed parts, and confirm paper quality. Provenance documentation, if available, detailing its history or use, would also enhance value and authentication.
Appraisal Value
$15-25