Description:

George Gershwin
New York, NY, March 9, 1931
George & Ira Gershwin Signed Contract for 7 Songs from "Girl Crazy", One of the Duo's Best Scores
DS

A typed copyright contract signed by both George and Ira Gershwin, New York, dated March 9, 1931. Signed at the conclusion of the second page "George Gershwin" and "Ira Gershwin" and countersigned by a Notary Public. 2pp, measuring 8.5" x 11". With a blind embossed stamp at the lower right corner of the second page. Several holes punched at the left and top margins. Faint toning throughout, else very good. Boldly signed by both.

The document is a contract which grants copyright of seven songs from "Girl Crazy" to RKO Radio Pictures, Inc. Includes: "‘Boy! What Love Has Done to Me!"; "But Not For Me"; "Could You Use Me?"; "Embraceable You"; "I Got Rhythm"; "Sam and Delilah"; and "Bidin' My Time". The rights to the songs had previously been assigned to New World Music Corporation.

"Girl Crazy" remained for the Gershwin brothers, "one of their most inspired scores". The musical includes the classic "I Got Rhythm", which was first sung on Broadway by Ethel Merman and shot her to instant stardom. Co-lead Ginger Rogers also became an overnight star. The musical opened at the Alvin Theatre on October 14, 1930 and ran 272 performances before closing on June 6, 1931. The premiere performance was conducted by George Gershwin, who "got as much applause as anyone on the stage."

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!

  • Dimensions: 8.5" x 11"
  • Medium: DS

Accepted Forms of Payment:

ACH, American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Unless otherwise indicated, we do our own in-house world-wide shipping!

Applicable shipping and handling charges will be added to the invoice. We offer several shipping options, and remain one of the few auction houses that proudly provides professional in-house shipping as an option to our clients. All items will ship with a signature required option, and full insurance. Most items are sent via Federal Express, with P. O. Box addresses being sent through USPS. We insure through Berkley Asset Protection with rates of $.70 per $100 of value, among the lowest insurance rates in the industry. Our shipping department cameras document every package, both outgoing and incoming, for maximum security. In addition, we compare our shipping and handling rates against those of other auction houses, to ensure that our charges are among the lowest in the trade.

Upon winning your item(s), you will receive an invoice with our in-house shipping and handling fees included. ***We will ship to the address as it appears on your invoice. If any changes to the shipping address need to be made, you must inform us immediately.***

International shipments: In order to comply with our insurance provider, all international shipments will be sent via Fed Ex and customs paperwork will show a value of $1.00. International buyers should contact our office directly with any questions regarding this policy.

Third-Party Shipping Option: If a third-party shipper is preferred, the buyer is responsible for contacting them directly to make shipping arrangements. For your convenience, we have provided some recommended shippers. For your protection, we will require a signed release from you, confirming your authorization for us to release your lots to your specified third-party. At that point, our responsibility and insurance coverage for your item(s) ceases. Items picked up by third-party shippers are required to pay Connecticut sales tax. Items requiring third-party shipping due to being oversized, fragile or bulky will be denoted in the item description.

Please see our full terms and conditions for names of suggested third-party shippers.

After payment has been made in full, University Archives will ship your purchase within 10 business days following receipt of full payment for item.

Please remember that the buyer is responsible for all shipping costs from University Archives' offices in Wilton, CT to the buyer's door. Please see full Terms and Conditions of Sale.

April 23, 2025 10:00 AM EDT
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000