Collecting Old Sheet Music

One type of paper collectible that many people enjoy looking for is old Sheet Music. The old music is relatively easy to find and is collected for a variety of reasons.

Some collectors love the sheet music for the cover art. Sometimes the collector will look for a particular artist or perhaps they just like the particular feeling they get from the types of illustrations they find on old sheet music. Many will frame these real pieces of art.

Popular songs of specific decades are another area that collectors will look for. Along with songs from Movies and Television Shows, some collectors prefer songs from the theater or showtunes.

Another area that people try to collect is a particular style of music such as Jazz Songs, Classical Music, Gospel, Country songs, and Rock and Roll. While other collectors will look for a specific composer or lyricist for their collection.

Yet another area of sheet music collections will be on a thematic basis. Perhaps the collection will encompasss only songs that have to do with Transportation.

Whatever the reasoning behind the collections, the collector of sheet music can find pieces with relative ease. Sheet music has been produced for over 2 centuries. Generally, collecting sheet music is relatively inexpensive as a hobby with many pieces starting at $2.00 and going up from there.

We offer this grading system for the person who would like to begin collecting old sheet music.

FINE: No tears, no writing, no stains on the cover or inside. In other words (near mint).

GOOD: some wear, maybe a smudge or small stain, inside complete, small tears less than 3/4 inch.

FAIR: Some stains, tears and smudges, etc.

POOR: Large tears, stains, generally 'beat-up'

The Paper Trail offers a nice selection of antique, vintage, and contemporary sheet music.

Our website is The Paper Trail

Collecting a Household Icon: The TV Guide

Collecting TV Guides has become quite popular with many collector of paper and ephemera. The first National issue of TV Guide was published on April 3, 1953. The cover had a photo of Lucy and Desi's newborn son along with an inset of Lucille Ball. That issue books for $1950.00. Any cover with Lucy is usually valued higher than most other issues of TV Guide.

The celebrity on the cover dictates the value of most the magazines. The more popular the star, the higher the value placed on the issue. Many collectors concentrate on a particular star; although there are some who are tying to collect every issue.

There is a relatively new book out for people who have an interest in collecting TV Guides. TV Guide Celebrating An Icon. The book has photos of every TV Guide published up to October 2005 along with a price guide.

Many of these old issues can be found on my website. I have fun things like September 16, 1978 issue with the original cast of Battlestar Galactica, Al Hirschfeld illustrated covers and many more.

Visit the website at: The Paper Trail