"The Suez Quadrille."

A genuine Victorian music sheet with an illustrated cover, published in London by Robert Cocks & Co.

Composed by Adam Wright, to celebrate the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869. The embossed stamp is actually dated 27th January, 1870 (see photos). The music industry seized on any public event at that time, and this piano composition was given an elaborate (for the time) colour printed map lithographed by Packer & Griffin.

Very scarce - I could find no more for sale online when listing this.

Size and number of pages: the sheet measures approx. 36cms x 26.5cms.

There are, in my view, a number of reasons for valuing Illustrated Music Sheets. They are often of historical interest, marking special events, or illustrating historical figures. They may be of topographical interest. They may give an insight into Victorian values, often the humour of the time, or perhaps simply the fashions and designs found in their houses and clothing. Music illustration was always at the forefront of advances in publishing, and the covers are therefore of interest too in seeing the development of colour printing, as well as typographic and layout fashions. Sometimes, even the music is of interest! I will be offering a huge collection on ebay. Please see my other items.

Postage: unfortunately, most music sheets are just too large for 'Large Letter' prices. So £4.25 within the UK. £13.00 to Europe, £18.00 to USA, etc. I will always combine shipping costs for more than one item purchased. Please purchase the items you want, but delay paying for them. I can then adjust the invoice accordingly. If you do pay for them, I can always refund any excess.

I have other antique items in my ebay shop - antique art, prints, music, maps, books etc. Please see my other items.