Lot 266

Irving Berlin Signed Presentation Copy, "Songs from 'Follow the Fleet,'" 1936 Rogers & Astaire Musical Comedy

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Irving Berlin Signed Presentation Copy, "Songs from 'Follow the Fleet,'" 1936 Rogers & Astaire Musical Comedy

Estimate: $400 - $500

Current Bid: $260

(7 Bids)

June 17, 2026 10:00 AM EDT
Live Auction
Wilton, CT, US

Description:

Irving Berlin
[New York, NY], ca. 1936
Irving Berlin Signed Presentation Copy, "Songs from 'Follow the Fleet,'" 1936 Rogers & Astaire Musical Comedy
SB

A presentation copy of "Songs from 'Follow the Fleet' Lyrics and Music by Irving Berlin," signed and inscribed by the composer and songwriter Irving Berlin (1888-1989) as: "To / Cal / Dufer (?) / with best wishes / Irving Berlin" on the front loose endpaper. N.d. but ca. 1936. [New York, New York.] The booklet has soft black gilt-embossed wrappers, and is bound with 29pp of sheet music corresponding to musical and dance numbers in the 1936 RKO Radio Pictures musical comedy "Follow the Fleet." The booklet exhibits some scattered scuffs to the covers, gentle even toning within, and two slightly cracked breaks in the binding found on p. 17 and p. 25. The presentation copy booklet measures 9.375" x 12.25" x .25." Housed in a black leather one quarter binding cloth covered clamshell case measuring 10.125" x 13.125" x 1.25" overall; isolated discoloration to the verso. Else very good to near fine. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.

The presentation copy booklet contains sheet music for the following:

- "We Saw The Sea," 6pp
- "Get Thee Behind Me Satan," 4pp
- "Let Yourself Go," 4pp
- "I'd Rather Lead A Band," 4pp
- "But Where Are You?," 4pp
- "I'm Putting All My Eggs In One Basket," 4pp
- "Let's Face The Music And Dance," 4pp

"Follow the Fleet" anticipated the boom in World War II-era military- and naval-themed musical comedies. It co-starred Ginger Rogers as dance hostess Sherry Martin, and Fred Astaire as "Bake" Baker, now enlisted in the U.S. Navy, two former dance partners temporarily reunited during the latter's shore leave. The film also featured Randolph Scott, Lucille Ball, Betty Grable, and Humphrey Bogart in supporting and minor onscreen roles. Irving Berlin composed and wrote seven songs which appeared in the feature length film, including "I'm Putting All My Eggs In One Basket," which reached No. 2 position in the U.S. Hit Parade.

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.

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  • Dimensions: clamshell case: 10.125" x 13.125" x 1.25"
  • Medium: SB

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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