Old Music Book, Need help!

[Sticks1]

I purchased this book titled, "MUSIC". The binding lettering and design is gold guilded. The name on the front says, "C.E. Caldwell" The music pages have been made from original music plates. You can see and feel the raised plate marks on each page. The music sheets date from 1850-1867. I think this book of "Music" was made specifically for Mr Caldwell. On some of the pages it is penciled, "Compliments of the composer" Some of the music scores are from Johann Strauss and Josef Strauss. The oldest, 1850 is titled, "Capt Shepherd's Quickstep" by C S Grafulla. It is penciled on top River (unk) May 3, of '66. The book is large, 13 1/4" x 10 1/2". Can anyone tell me who C E Caldwell may be and if this book has any value?

 

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[dg39]

Normally music books of this type hold little value, UNLESS, they have picture or coverpages illustrated with items or people of the time period. Ethnic illustrations bring a rather large price, Darkie's..etc.
Check some of the ebay auctions...There are heavy duty music sheet and book collectors out there. I have about 5 or 6 bound books in the museum some with pictures on the cover of individual music sheets.
DG

 

[DCMatt]

Found this about the publisher:
________
Guide to Philadelphia: its public buildings, places of amusement, churches ...‎ - Page 152
1866 - 163 pages

The following are large dealers in Sheet Music: Louis Meyer, G. Andr6 & Co., and
WH Boner & Co., of Chestnut street
________

Do you have any clue about where the book came from? Where did you get it?

DCMatt

 

[Sticks1]

I have no idea where it came from. I purchased this book at a second hand store. There are stamps on some of the pages from WH Boner and Co, G Andre and Co and Louis Meyer. I have been told that the book may have been a gift to C E Caldwell for the Philidelphia Centenial Expo (not sure though) or this individual may have been a conductor since several of the pieces of music state: "Compliments of the composure." Also the sheet music for "The Wandering Jew" is marked in pencil for repeating sections, pace of music, etc.. as if this piece was conducted.

 

[BuckleBoy]

Normally music books of this type hold little value, UNLESS, they have picture or coverpages illustrated with items or people of the time period. Ethnic illustrations bring a rather large price, Darkie's..etc.
Check some of the ebay auctions...There are heavy duty music sheet and book collectors out there. I have about 5 or 6 bound books in the museum some with pictures on the cover of individual music sheets.
DG

I agree with you 100% DG--and good hear from you.

 

[Bramblefind]

James E. Caldwell was a prominent silversmith and jeweler in Philadelphia (J.E. Caldwell) on Chestnut St. He had a number of children, including a son named Clarence E. (b. ~1859 d. 1917 in Newport, R.I.).

I could not find any music connections for Clarence E. Caldwell at first search. He did a lot of international travelling and was listed many years in the Philadelphia Blue Book. He's my guess for your "C.E. Caldwell".

 

[Sticks1]

Thanks Bramblefind. That info is very helpful. I've spent months trying to figure this out. Thanks for the help.

 

[High Plains Digger]

Can you give us a rendition of Ele-Mele Polka? Our area is populated with many "Germans From Russia" and if you can't polka, you don't get invited to the weddings, most of which are at the various Grange buildings. But it is always the same old polkas--perhaps this one will put some new fire into the partys.