Description:

Sousa John

John Philip Sousa, American bandleader, signature


Calling card signed by American band leader John Philip Sousa (1854-1932) as "John Philip Sousa". Above his signature, Sousa has also sketched out two measures of an unknown musical composition in A flat major and in 6/8 time. Inscribed "Boston, 96" in the lower left corner. Signature is clear and martial. One complete American flag saw tooth edge sticker located in the lower right corner recto, and two partial remnants along edges, where card was once mounted in a scrapbook. A minor embossed imprint above. Otherwise very good to near fine. Cream colored stock card measures 3.125" x 2.25".

 


On December 25, 1896, Sousa finished the piano score of what would become his most famous patriotic march, "The Stars and Stripes Forever." Earlier that year, his 3-act operetta "El Capitan" premiered at the Tremont Theater in Boston's theater district. It is possible that, since Sousa's autograph dates from 1896 Boston, that the musical excerpt he sketched out above is from that work. The comedic plot of the extremely popular operetta was driven by mistaken identity in 16th century colonial Peru.

 


John Philip Sousa, hailed as the “American March King”, was an accomplished musician, composer, and conductor. Trained in voice, violin, piano, flute, and cornet among other instruments, Sousa had perfect pitch. He also contributed to the design of the Sousaphone, a brass tuba-like instrument. Of the 136 marches that Sousa composed, “Semper Fidelis” (1888) and “Stars and Stripes Forever” (1896) are the most widely recognizable.

 


WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE

Accepted Forms of Payment:

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

Shipping

We do our own in-house worldwide shipping!
Applicable shipping and handling charges will be added to the invoice. ***PLEASE NOTE: IF YOU WOULD LIKE YOUR SHIPMENT TO BE SENT TO AN ADDRESS OTHER THAN THE ONE YOU HAVE ON FILE WITH INVALUABLE, YOU WILL NEED TO INFORM US OF THIS AS SOON AS PAYMENT IS SUBMITTED FOR YOUR WINNINGS*** Shipping and handling costs are competitive as we maintain discounted contracts with FedEx. If you have any questions, contact University Archives prior to bidding. After payment has been made in full, University Archives will ship your purchase within 5 business days following receipt of full payment for item. We currently ship via FedEx but if your purchase is shipping to a P.O. Box, we ship via USPS. All items are insured. We ship from our offices in Westport, CT. We may opt to use a third party shipper for very fragile, bulky or oversized items. Items requiring third party shipping will be denoted in the item description. Packages shipped internationally will have full value declared on shipping form. International buyers will be responsible for any customs fees incurred.

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

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