American Book Number 201: 2500 Latest Song Hits from Radio-Screen-Stage
Printed songbook (ephemera), mass-produced newsprint and cardstock saddle-stitched booklet • Published by R. J. M. Publishing Corp.; cover features a halftone portrait of Don Ameche
Style & Movement
Mid-20th Century Americana / Commercial Vernacular Design
Medium & Technique
Letterpress and halftone offset lithography on newsprint and paper; red and black ink
Creation Period
Circa 1930s-1940s (Great Depression / World War II era)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 9 x 12 inches; vertical (portrait) rectangular format
Subject Description
A lyrics-only songbook aimed at household consumers. The red cover features a central portrait of actor/singer Don Ameche, bold typography advertising '2500 Latest Song Hits,' and various navigational guides for foreign, cowboy, and old-time songs.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good (G) to Very Good (VG) for age; showing minor edge wear and light creasing
Estimated Market Value
$15.00 - $35.00 USD
Auction Estimate
$10.00 - $25.00 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired via newsstand, drug store, or mail order. Generic commercial history typical of household ephemera.
Art Historical Significance
A cultural artifact reflecting the democratization of music during the Golden Age of Radio. These songbooks allowed families to sing along to popular hits without owning expensive sheet music or recordings.
Notable Features
Portrait of Don Ameche, distinctive '10 cent' pricing, and the early R. J. M. Publishing Corp. imprint which was a major distributor of lyrically-indexed music books.
Condition Issues
Visible browning (acidification) of the paper, soft corners, slight staining on the left margin, and expected oxidation of industrial staples.
Conservation Recommendations
Store in an acid-free, buffered archival sleeve with a backing board. Keep away from direct sunlight to prevent further fading of the red ink and yellowing of the paper.