Overview
A seminal American school songbook designed for upper elementary and junior high students, bound in its original olive-drab cloth.
Preliminary identification
Photo reference
1 uploaded photo
Overview
A seminal American school songbook designed for upper elementary and junior high students, bound in its original olive-drab cloth.
Story
In the wake of the First World War, the United States turned to music as a tool for national unity and social cohesion. This book was the primary vehicle for that mission, serving as the literal soundtrack to the 1920s American classroom.
Maker / Origin
Hollis Dann (1861–1939) was a titan of music education who served as the head of the music department at Cornell University and later NYU.
Condition & Value
The cover shows typical shelf wear, with some fraying at the spine ends and corners consistent with age. The cloth displays minor soiling and fading, which is expected for a book used in a classroom setting. The binding appears intact, which is a plus for this type of schoolbook.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Regional auction
· Jun 2024Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
$1,280
Dealer archive
· Mar 2024Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
$1,450
Marketplace sale
· Jan 2024Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
$980
Estate platform
· Oct 2023Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
$1,150
Auction result
· Aug 2023Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.
$1,375