The darktown Strutters Ball sheet music.
The Darktown Strutters Ball,sheet music,framed,height 14"inches by 11"inch,wide.
I went to an estate sale and bought it there.
Other
Yes
Shelton Brooks was an African-American, Canadian-born composer of popular music and jazz, who wrote several well-known musical standards. Brooks sang, played piano, and performed on the vaudeville circuit. In the 1920s, he starred in several musical comedies followed by a CBS radio show in the 1930s.
The appraised work is sheet music for Brooks’ tune “The Darktown Strutters’ Ball,” originally written in 1915 and first published in 1917 by Leo Feist, Inc. in New York. Consisting of three pages containing sheet music for both voice and piano, the subject work appears to be mounted and matted in a giltwood frame, measuring approximately 14H x 11W inches. The front illustration features a stylized drawing of Afro-Americans dancing along with a photograph of Con Conrad, an American songwriter and producer. Leo Feist published the sheet music with the image of several other performers, including Benny Davis and Flora Stern. The subject work appears to be in good condition overall, with visible creases in the corners and a small tear visible along the right side, which are both commensurate with age.
The estimate is based on similar items sold at auction. In many cases, comparables available on the retail market vary and are usually higher than secondary market examples.
Dear Adelaide,
Thank you for your comments. A careful review of the auction market for comparable items was conducted in order to determine the estimate provided. This examination yielded limited results, with less than five examples of Shelton Brooks framed sheet music appearing at auction within the last ten years. Direct comparables to your item either failed to sell or sold below their low presale estimate. The retail market was also reviewed during the research process. Similar examples are currently being offered within a wide spectrum, ranging from $5-$60.
As with most collectible ephemera items, condition and rarity are important factors. Given the popularity and high demand for sheet music in the early 20th century, millions of copies were printed and sold. Due to the sheer volume produced and distributed, very few examples are today considered rare. Many tend to sell within a range of $3-$5 and it is common to see large lots of 10-30 pieces of sheet music offered at auction, which sell for $10-$15 on average. Sheet music featuring Black Americana artists can be highly valued when preserved in excellent condition. Sheet music that is autographed or handwritten examples dating from the 19th century, before the advent of mass printing, can also achieve higher prices.
I hope this clarifies the estimate provided. Please let me know if you have any additional questions.
This is my second item i have asked for an appraisal,i had both items appraised before,for alot more money.They say their appraisals take two days,i got my appraisal in 3 hrs.I'm not sure,but i feel there is something not right.You decided.