Musical Scenes From Pixie Land Sheet Music Appraisal
Category: Printed Music
Description
This item is a piece of printed sheet music titled "Musical Scenes From Pixie Land" by Arthur L. Brown, Op. 16. The cover is printed on a light-colored, somewhat brittle paper that appears to be an antique cream or light brown color, showing signs of age and handling. The cover features a central title surrounded by a scattering of small, rectangular vignettes depicting scenes related to the title, which are printed in a dark brown ink. Below the title and composer's name is a list of the individual pieces included in the collection, numbered 1 through 10, with the last entry indicating a complete edition. There is also a note about "Foreign Fingering" and an address for The H.F. Wood Music Co. in Boston, New York, and London, providing manufacturing details. The physical condition shows significant wear, with creasing, discoloration, and a prominent dog-ear or tear at the top right corner. The edges are worn, and the paper has a visible patina indicative of its age. The overall aesthetic suggests it is from the late 19th or early 20th century.
Appraisal Report
I have examined the image of the "Musical Scenes From Pixie Land" sheet music by Arthur L. Brown, Op. 16. Based on my visual inspection, this appears to be an authentic piece of early 20th century or late 19th century American sheet music, likely published by The H.F. Wood Music Co. as indicated. The paper quality, printing style, and the visible signs of age, such as discoloration, brittleness, creasing, and wear along the edges and corners, align with items from that period. The condition is fair-to-poor due to significant wear, including a notable dog-ear or tear to the top right corner, multiple creases, and staining. This poor condition significantly diminishes its potential value to collectors. While specific market data for this particular piece is limited, comparable sheet music from the same era and genre by less prominent composers in similar condition typically fetches modest prices. Demand for standard early 20th-century piano sheet music is not particularly high unless it is by a well-known composer, has historical significance, or is in excellent condition. Without physical examination, it's impossible to definitively verify the paper's age or the printing process used. In-person examination would allow me to feel the paper's texture, assess the print quality more closely, and potentially identify watermarks or binding details that aren't clear in the image. Provenance documentation proving its history could potentially add value, but it is unlikely to be available for this type of item. Scientific testing, such as paper analysis, would be needed for absolute authentication of age and materials, though this is not typically cost-effective for items in this value range.
Appraisal Value
$5 - $15