{"title":"Music\/Stage \u0026 Screen","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Music, Theatre \u0026amp; Performing Arts Collection celebrates the creative figures who have shaped the world’s stages and concert halls. Featuring signed letters, autographs, photographs, programs, musical manuscripts, and related historical material, the collection brings us closer to renowned composers, musicians, singers, actors, dancers, and theatrical personalities. Each piece preserves a personal connection to the artists whose talents, performances, and innovations have enriched our cultural heritage and continue to inspire audiences today.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"sheet-music-cover-for-natoma-signed-by-victor-herbert","title":"Sheet Music Cover For “Natoma” Signed By Victor Herbert","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis document is a sheet music cover for \"Natoma,\" an American grand opera composed by Victor Herbert with a libretto by Joseph D. Redding. It features a significant autograph musical quotation and a handwritten inscription by Victor Herbert himself. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eWe would describe this sheet as in fair condition. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eAutograph Details\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe handwriting on the page includes:\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMusical Quote: On the left, Herbert has hand-drawn two bars of music from the opera, labeled \"Natoma\".\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eInscription: The central text reads, \"To Horace E. Koon with best wishes and the compliments of the season. Xmas 1913\".\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eSignature: Below the date is Victor Herbert's characteristic flourish-heavy signature. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAbout the Opera \"Natoma\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eComposer: Victor Herbert (1859–1924), who was primarily famous for his operettas like Babes in Toyland, but considered \"Natoma\" one of his greatest serious accomplishments.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePremiere: It premiered in Philadelphia on February 25, 1911, and featured legendary singers Mary Garden and John McCormack.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThemes: Set in 1820s Spanish California, the opera was a conscious effort to create a \"truly American opera\" by incorporating Native American and Spanish themes.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePublishing: This specific sheet is for the \"Orchestra Arrangements\" by Otto Langey, published by G. Schirmer in New York. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Princeton Audubon Prints","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51739554808090,"sku":"EB-327012928419","price":550.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2221\/0931\/files\/57_b84f2b9e-fb70-4a8e-a0cd-750e1eced0c4.jpg?v=1771870041"},{"product_id":"1812-autograph-letter-describing-the-richmond-theatre-fire-death-of-virginia-governor-george-william-smith-early-american-political-manuscript","title":"1812 Autograph Letter Describing the Richmond Theatre Fire – Death of Virginia Governor George William Smith – Early American Political Manuscript","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col gap-4 grow\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"c850b38f-23a1-423f-8e54-fce7a620fdda\" data-turn-start-message=\"true\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-5-5\" class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal outline-none keyboard-focused:focus-ring [.text-message+\u0026amp;]:mt-1\" tabindex=\"0\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert wrap-break-word w-full light markdown-new-styling\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3706\" data-end=\"3978\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eAn exceptional unpublished four-page autograph letter written from \u003cstrong data-start=\"3773\" data-end=\"3787\"\u003eJanesville\u003c\/strong\u003e on \u003cstrong data-start=\"3791\" data-end=\"3810\"\u003eJanuary 9, 1812\u003c\/strong\u003e, containing an early contemporary account of the catastrophic \u003cstrong data-start=\"3873\" data-end=\"3919\"\u003eRichmond Theatre Fire of December 26, 1811\u003c\/strong\u003e, one of the deadliest disasters in early American history.\u003cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3980\" data-end=\"4571\"\u003eWritten only two weeks after the tragedy, the correspondent reports receiving fresh news by the city mail that the Richmond theatre \"took fire... while some play was acting,\" that the roof collapsed upon an audience estimated at fifteen hundred persons, and that approximately forty perished, \"among whom was the Governor of Virginia and his lady.\" Although later reports established the death toll at seventy-two, including Governor \u003cstrong data-start=\"4414\" data-end=\"4438\"\u003eGeorge William Smith\u003c\/strong\u003e, this letter preserves the earliest stage of the story as it spread across the young republic. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4573\" data-end=\"4956\"\u003eThe first portion of the letter discusses contemporary New York politics, including debates in the state Senate over repeal of part of the Commissioning Law, a closely contested \u003cstrong data-start=\"4751\" data-end=\"4760\"\u003e13–11\u003c\/strong\u003e vote, the actions of \u003cstrong data-start=\"4782\" data-end=\"4795\"\u003eMr. Riker\u003c\/strong\u003e, and sharp divisions between \u003cstrong data-start=\"4825\" data-end=\"4836\"\u003eTammany\u003c\/strong\u003e supporters and the \u003cstrong data-start=\"4856\" data-end=\"4874\"\u003eResolutionists\u003c\/strong\u003e, providing valuable insight into partisan politics on the eve of the War of 1812.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4958\" data-end=\"5197\"\u003eThe letter retains its original address panel, postal markings, and remnants of the original red wax seal. Written in a clear and highly legible hand, it remains in very good condition with expected folds, light age toning, and minor wear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5199\" data-end=\"5505\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003eA highly desirable unpublished primary source combining early American politics with one of the nation's first great urban disasters. Ideal for collectors of War of 1812-era manuscripts, Virginia history, New York political history, early postal history, and significant American historical correspondence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-section-id=\"1qct557\" data-start=\"311\" data-end=\"331\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eDocument Details\u003cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"333\" data-end=\"660\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1ox23cz\" data-start=\"333\" data-end=\"360\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"335\" data-end=\"344\"\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e January 9, 1812\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"191ieni\" data-start=\"361\" data-end=\"422\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"363\" data-end=\"381\"\u003ePlace Written:\u003c\/strong\u003e Janesville (likely Janesville, New York)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1uyyiho\" data-start=\"423\" data-end=\"463\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"425\" data-end=\"436\"\u003eFormat:\u003c\/strong\u003e Four-page autograph letter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1ov0udh\" data-start=\"464\" data-end=\"512\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"466\" data-end=\"480\"\u003eRecipient:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong data-start=\"481\" data-end=\"501\"\u003eMr. Breckinridge\u003c\/strong\u003e, Princeton\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1wwvkbm\" data-start=\"513\" data-end=\"560\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"515\" data-end=\"534\"\u003ePostal Marking:\u003c\/strong\u003e \"D. Morris Jany. 6, 1812\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1olcs0w\" data-start=\"561\" data-end=\"612\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"563\" data-end=\"597\"\u003eOriginal red wax seal remnants\u003c\/strong\u003e still present.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"ge6k1j\" data-start=\"613\" data-end=\"660\"\u003eEntirely written in a neat contemporary hand.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"662\" data-end=\"665\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"a2jejw\" data-start=\"667\" data-end=\"677\"\u003eContent\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"679\" data-end=\"719\"\u003eThe letter discusses two major subjects.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-section-id=\"1kqu1r1\" data-start=\"721\" data-end=\"745\"\u003e1. New York Politics\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"747\" data-end=\"861\"\u003eThe writer reports on debates in the New York Senate concerning repeal of part of the \"Commissioning Law,\" noting:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"863\" data-end=\"1001\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"fsbbx9\" data-start=\"863\" data-end=\"904\"\u003eMr. Riker abandoning the Resolutionists\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"49zf3p\" data-start=\"905\" data-end=\"932\"\u003eA final vote of \u003cstrong data-start=\"923\" data-end=\"932\"\u003e13–11\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"18w43el\" data-start=\"933\" data-end=\"1001\"\u003eConflict between \u003cstrong data-start=\"952\" data-end=\"963\"\u003eTammany\u003c\/strong\u003e supporters and the \u003cstrong data-start=\"983\" data-end=\"1001\"\u003eResolutionists\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1003\" data-end=\"1117\"\u003eThis provides a fascinating snapshot of New York's intensely partisan politics immediately before the War of 1812.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-section-id=\"oag21k\" data-start=\"1119\" data-end=\"1151\"\u003e2. The Richmond Theatre Fire\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1153\" data-end=\"1219\"\u003eThe second half contains remarkably early news of the catastrophe:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote data-start=\"1221\" data-end=\"1457\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1223\" data-end=\"1457\"\u003e\"...the Theatre in Richmond (Va.) took fire... while some play was acting... the roof fell in... there being about 1500 in the Theatre... about 40 of them perished in the flames among whom was the Governor of Virginia and his lady...\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1459\" data-end=\"1563\"\u003eThe writer was relying on fresh reports carried by the city mail only about two weeks after the tragedy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1565\" data-end=\"1929\"\u003eAlthough the casualty estimate of \"about 40\" proved low, the account correctly reports the death of \u003cstrong data-start=\"1665\" data-end=\"1707\"\u003eVirginia Governor George William Smith\u003c\/strong\u003e, one of the most shocking losses in the disaster. The Richmond Theatre fire actually claimed \u003cstrong data-start=\"1801\" data-end=\"1813\"\u003e72 lives\u003c\/strong\u003e, making it the deadliest urban disaster in the United States up to that time. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1931\" data-end=\"2105\"\u003eThis is exactly the kind of contemporary reporting historians prize because it preserves how major national news circulated before newspapers had fully established the facts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"2107\" data-end=\"2110\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1353kst\" data-start=\"2112\" data-end=\"2136\"\u003eHistorical Importance\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2138\" data-end=\"2158\"\u003eThe letter combines:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"2160\" data-end=\"2383\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"10xgrj2\" data-start=\"2160\" data-end=\"2194\"\u003eEarly American political history\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"t6z5ac\" data-start=\"2195\" data-end=\"2225\"\u003eNew York legislative affairs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1x99evw\" data-start=\"2226\" data-end=\"2244\"\u003eTammany politics\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1t7ncjb\" data-start=\"2245\" data-end=\"2333\"\u003eOne of the earliest surviving manuscript reports of the \u003cstrong data-start=\"2303\" data-end=\"2333\"\u003e1811 Richmond Theatre Fire\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"snjru7\" data-start=\"2334\" data-end=\"2383\"\u003eDeath of Virginia Governor George William Smith\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2385\" data-end=\"2633\"\u003eLetters discussing the Richmond Theatre Fire shortly after the event are scarce. Most surviving accounts are newspaper reports; privately written correspondence describing the disaster while the news was still unfolding is considerably less common.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"2635\" data-end=\"2638\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"hrykuu\" data-start=\"2640\" data-end=\"2652\"\u003eCondition\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2654\" data-end=\"2664\"\u003eVery Good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"2666\" data-end=\"2923\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1pl6ex4\" data-start=\"2666\" data-end=\"2692\"\u003eFour-page folded letter.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"ncdzdk\" data-start=\"2693\" data-end=\"2724\"\u003eStrong manuscript throughout.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1wmwu3x\" data-start=\"2725\" data-end=\"2742\"\u003eOriginal folds.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1xuvmtb\" data-start=\"2743\" data-end=\"2768\"\u003eOriginal address panel.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"14n2ei4\" data-start=\"2769\" data-end=\"2796\"\u003eOriginal postal markings.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1mpvk74\" data-start=\"2797\" data-end=\"2828\"\u003eRed wax seal remnants remain.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1erfz28\" data-start=\"2829\" data-end=\"2872\"\u003eLight edge wear and scattered age toning.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"7ivtih\" data-start=\"2873\" data-end=\"2923\"\u003eMinor fold separations without significant loss.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2925\" data-end=\"2970\"\u003eAn attractive, highly displayable manuscript.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Signature Documents LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52584062550298,"sku":null,"price":1595.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2221\/0931\/files\/IMG_1815.jpg?v=1785076280"},{"product_id":"1838-1844-new-york-state-militia-documents-samuel-h-cook-musician-drummer","title":"1838–1844 New York State Militia Documents — Samuel H. Cook, Musician \u0026 Drummer","description":"\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRare Antebellum New York Militia Archive — Seven Years of Documented Service\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAn exceptional original group of nineteenth-century New York State militia documents documenting the military service of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSamuel H. Cook\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, who served as a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMusician\/Drummer\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e in the New York State Militia.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe group is anchored by an original \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e“REGIMENTAL WARRANT — STATE OF NEW-YORK”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, dated \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAugust 15, 1838\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, appointing Cook as \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDrummer\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e of a company in the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e50th Regiment, 33rd Brigade, 1st Division of Infantry, New York State Militia\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. The warrant is completed in contemporary manuscript and signed by the commanding colonel.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAccompanying the warrant are original handwritten certifications confirming that \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSamuel H. Cook faithfully performed the duties of his office as a musician\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e during successive periods of service, including \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e1838–1840, 1841–1842, and 1843–1844\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. One of the certifications is signed by \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWilliam Casey, Captain\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTogether, these documents provide an unusually detailed record of an individual citizen-soldier's participation in the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eantebellum New York militia\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, spanning approximately seven years. The designation of Cook as a musician\/drummer is particularly interesting, as military musicians played an important role in nineteenth-century militia organization, providing cadence and battlefield\/parade signals.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis is \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNew York State Militia material from the 1830s and 1840s and is not Civil War material\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. It represents the period when state militia organizations remained an important component of American military life decades before the Civil War.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe documents retain their original folds and show considerable age, toning, foxing, staining, edge wear and fold weakness consistent with their approximately 185-year age. Despite the condition, the principal manuscript writing remains legible and the group presents a fascinating, intact record of antebellum military service.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA compelling addition to a collection of American military history, New York history, militia documents, manuscript archives, or early American ephemera.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDate:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 1838–1844\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSubject:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Samuel H. Cook\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eService:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Musician \/ Drummer\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOrganization:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 50th Regiment, 33rd Brigade, 1st Division, New York State Militia\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Original manuscript and partly printed documents\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCondition:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Fair to good antique condition, with significant age toning, foxing, folds, edge wear and localized paper weakness\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Signature Documents LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52705621704986,"sku":null,"price":225.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2221\/0931\/files\/IMG_2180.jpg?v=1786914638"},{"product_id":"enrico-caruso-1906-letter-from-the-hotel-savoy-concerning-photographs-in-operatic-costume","title":"Enrico Caruso and the Creation of a 1907 Rose Company Photographic Postcard—Original Letter and Finished Souvenir Card","description":"\u003cp class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eA remarkable two-piece archive connecting legendary operatic tenor \u003cstrong\u003eEnrico Caruso\u003c\/strong\u003e with the production of an early photographic souvenir card.\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe archive begins with an original letter dated \u003cstrong\u003eNovember 28, 1906\u003c\/strong\u003e, written from Caruso’s residence at New York’s prestigious \u003cstrong\u003eHotel Savoy\u003c\/strong\u003e. Addressed to \u003cstrong\u003eThe Rose Company of Philadelphia\u003c\/strong\u003e, it was written and signed by Caruso’s secretary under the tenor’s express direction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe secretary acknowledges the company’s earlier correspondence and explains:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“I am directed by Cav. E. Caruso to acknowledge receipt of your letters…for the present he is not provided with photographs in costume—and therefore he cannot accept your offer; when he has these done…he will enter into negotiations with you.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAccompanying the letter is an original \u003cstrong\u003eRose Company photographic postcard copyrighted in 1907\u003c\/strong\u003e—the following year—showing Caruso in precisely the type of theatrical costume photographs discussed in the correspondence. It presents Caruso in \u003cem\u003eRigoletto\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eMarta\u003c\/em\u003e, together with a formal portrait, musical quotation, and facsimile signature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough surviving correspondence involving Caruso is collectible in its own right, the presence of the finished Rose Company card gives this group exceptional documentary interest. Together, the pieces appear to preserve both the preliminary negotiations and the resulting commercial souvenir. The connection is supported by the matching company name, the letter’s explicit reference to “photographs in costume,” the card’s theatrical images, and its 1907 copyright date.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe letter is especially evocative because it was written during Caruso’s celebrated Metropolitan Opera years and only days after the sensational November 1906 Central Park Zoo controversy. The Hotel Savoy was then Caruso’s New York residence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe manuscript letter exhibits original mailing folds, age toning, scattered soiling, and localized staining near the right edge. The postcard shows light toning, minor edge and corner wear, and occasional surface marks consistent with age. Both remain complete and visually attractive.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe letter was written and signed by Caruso’s secretary on his behalf; it is \u003cstrong\u003enot personally signed by Caruso\u003c\/strong\u003e. The signature and musical passage appearing on the postcard are printed facsimiles.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Signature Documents LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52760473141530,"sku":null,"price":990.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2221\/0931\/files\/IMG_2674.jpg?v=1788031750"},{"product_id":"john-philip-sousa-king-cotton-march-1895-atlanta-cotton-states-exposition-sheet-music","title":"John Philip Sousa “King Cotton March” – 1895 Atlanta Cotton States Exposition Sheet Music","description":"\u003cp class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eOriginal antique sheet music for John Philip Sousa’s celebrated \u003cem\u003eKing Cotton March\u003c\/em\u003e, composed for the Cotton States and International Exposition held in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1895. Published by The John Church Company, this handsome upright-folio edition retains the striking original exposition cover depicting Sousa in military uniform beside a tall cotton plant.\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSousa wrote \u003cem\u003eKing Cotton\u003c\/em\u003e especially for the Atlanta exposition, where his internationally renowned band was one of the principal attractions. The vigorous march quickly became associated with the fair and remains one of Sousa’s enduring concert-band compositions. Its title invokes the familiar expression “King Cotton,” reflecting the crop’s immense economic and cultural importance in the nineteenth-century American South.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe cover reads, “Written for the Cotton States and International Exposition, Atlanta, 1895,” and offers the work in numerous arrangements. This example contains the complete piano arrangement, identified by the original John Church plate number 11265-4-L. The back cover advertises Sousa’s other successful compositions, including \u003cem\u003eThe Stars and Stripes Forever\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eThe Liberty Bell\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eThe Bride Elect\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eThe Charlatan\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eHands Across the Sea\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough the composition and original cover design date to 1895, the inclusion of \u003cem\u003eHands Across the Sea\u003c\/em\u003e, published in 1899, establishes this example as a circa 1899–1900 printing from the original plates. This dating distinction is important and makes it more accurate to describe the piece as an early edition rather than a first edition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSix-page upright folio, approximately 11 × 14 inches. Complete. General age toning, edge and corner wear, small marginal tears, spine separation and old translucent reinforcement along the fold. Light pencil notation at the upper-right corner. The pictorial cover remains clean, bold and highly displayable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn appealing piece of John Philip Sousa, Atlanta exposition and American musical history, with an especially desirable portrait-and-cotton cover.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Signature Documents LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52800876642586,"sku":null,"price":75.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2221\/0931\/files\/IMG_2891.jpg?v=1788628195"},{"product_id":"1890s-chariot-race-or-ben-hur-march-spectacular-e-t-paull-chromolithograph","title":"1890s “Chariot Race or Ben Hur March” – Spectacular E. T. Paull Chromolithograph","description":"\u003cp class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eA visually striking late-nineteenth-century sheet-music edition of E. T. Paull’s celebrated \u003cem\u003eChariot Race, or Ben Hur March\u003c\/em\u003e, inspired by the climactic chariot race in General Lew Wallace’s literary masterpiece \u003cem\u003eBen-Hur: A Tale of the Christ\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe magnificent multicolor cover depicts Judah Ben-Hur and Messala racing four-horse chariots through a crowded Roman arena. Fallen horses and drivers heighten the drama, while classical architecture, an obelisk and Egyptian-style profile portraits complete the composition. Printed prominently above the title is the dedication, “Respectfully Inscribed to Gen. Lew Wallace, Author of ‘Ben Hur.’” The cover also announces that the march was “Played by Sousa’s Band.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePublished originally in 1894, \u003cem\u003eThe Chariot Race\u003c\/em\u003e was E. T. Paull’s first major composition and launched his highly successful publishing career. Paull became renowned for pairing energetic descriptive music with some of the most elaborate chromolithographic covers produced during America’s golden age of illustrated sheet music. The cover was lithographed by the noted Richmond firm of A. Hoen \u0026amp; Co.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe interior contains the complete piano score, beginning with a short passage adapted from Wallace’s description of the race. Paull marked the music with dramatic instructions including \u003cem\u003econ spirito\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003ebrillante\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003etutta forza\u003c\/em\u003e, creating a musical interpretation of the speed, danger and excitement of the famous scene.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough the cover and original copyright date are 1894, the back-cover advertisement is copyrighted 1898. This copy is therefore best identified as an early circa 1898–1899 printing from the original plates rather than a confirmed first printing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eComplete with pictorial cover, seven numbered pages of music and publisher’s advertisements. Fair condition, with age toning, edge wear, chips, creases, marginal tears, spine separation and old translucent tape reinforcement. Several tears enter the printed pages slightly, but the musical notation remains substantially complete. The remarkable color cover remains bold and highly suitable for display.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA desirable crossover piece for collectors of \u003cstrong\u003eLew Wallace, \u003cem\u003eBen-Hur\u003c\/em\u003e, John Philip Sousa, American popular music and nineteenth-century chromolithography\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Signature Documents LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52800896270618,"sku":null,"price":125.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2221\/0931\/files\/IMG_2895_adb02a42-ff1d-4ad3-af2a-3eda18ea4f86.jpg?v=1788628817"},{"product_id":"william-penn-s-march-pennsylvania-bi-centennial-grand-march-1882","title":"William Penn’s March — Pennsylvania Bi-Centennial Grand March, 1882","description":"\u003cp class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eAn original and exceptionally decorative piece of Pennsylvania commemorative sheet music published in Philadelphia for the \u003cstrong\u003e1882 bicentennial of William Penn’s arrival in America\u003c\/strong\u003e. Titled \u003cem\u003eBi-Centennial Grand March: William Penn’s March\u003c\/em\u003e, the work was composed for piano by August “Aug.” Loumey and issued by the prominent Philadelphia music publishers Lee \u0026amp; Walker.\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe elaborate cover presents William Penn holding the colony’s charter, framed by the dates \u003cstrong\u003e1682 and 1882\u003c\/strong\u003e. Behind him appear a sailing vessel and a group of Native Americans—imagery intended to evoke Penn’s arrival and the founding of Pennsylvania two centuries earlier. The music was published during Philadelphia’s elaborate bicentennial observances, which featured civic and military parades, concerts, historical pageants, fireworks and a reenactment of Penn’s landing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe publication contains the pictorial cover, three printed pages of the complete piano march and a full-page Lee \u0026amp; Walker musical advertisement on the reverse. Another example is preserved by the Library of Congress.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fair, with substantial age-related wear. The sheets are separated at the spine and display toning, edge tears, creases, scattered staining and historic tape repairs. Several tears extend into the printed music, although the composition remains substantially complete and the important William Penn cover image is well preserved. Please examine the accompanying photographs carefully.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA scarce and visually compelling survivor from Pennsylvania’s great 1882 bicentennial celebration—particularly desirable for collectors of \u003cstrong\u003eWilliam Penn, Pennsylvania history, Quaker history, Philadelphia ephemera and nineteenth-century American sheet music\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Signature Documents LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52822329393434,"sku":null,"price":135.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2221\/0931\/files\/IMG_2971.jpg?v=1788800013"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2221\/0931\/collections\/IMG_2891_2c3592c1-c988-45a7-9ada-fa8d7b250f54.jpg?v=1788629143","url":"https:\/\/www.thearchiveauthority.com\/en-ca\/collections\/music-theatre-performing-arts.oembed","provider":"Signature Documents LLC","version":"1.0","type":"link"}