Preliminary identification

Junior Songs by Hollis Dann, c. 1918

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

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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

Build on this identification

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Market Analysis

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.

Value Drivers

  • Strong maker attribution with credible period details
  • Better-than-average condition for the category
  • Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact

Concerns

  • Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
  • Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
  • Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues

Best Venue

Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.

Comparable Sales

5 comps

Regional auction

· Jun 2024

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

$1,280

SOLD

Dealer archive

· Mar 2024

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

$1,450

SOLD

Marketplace sale

· Jan 2024

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

$980

SOLD

Estate platform

· Oct 2023

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

$1,150

SOLD

Auction result

· Aug 2023

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.

$1,375

SOLD