Smiling Irish Eyes (Sheet Music)
Original sheet music, printed ephemera on paper • Cover design for M. Witmark & Sons; featuring actress Colleen Moore. Lyrics by Herman Ruby, Music by Ray Perkins.
Style & Movement
Art Deco / Jazz Age graphic design with traditional Irish-American motifs
Medium & Technique
Lithograph or offset printing on paper, featuring a halftone photographic reproduction and stylized graphic typography
Creation Period
1929
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 9 x 12 inches; vertical portrait format
Subject Description
Promotional tie-in for the 1929 First National Vitaphone motion picture 'Smiling Irish Eyes'. The cover features a portrait of film star Colleen Moore framed within a large green shamrock, surrounded by smaller clover motifs and promotional text.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good; visible edge wear, creasing, and minor tearing at the top margin, consistent with age and use.
Estimated Market Value
20.00 USD - 45.00 USD
Auction Estimate
15.00 USD - 30.00 USD
Provenance History
Includes a notable distributor stamp for 'Lincoln Music Shop, Milwaukee, WIS', indicating an original retail source from the late 1920s.
Art Historical Significance
A cultural artifact from the transition period between silent film and 'talkies.' It represents the early marketing synergy between Hollywood, the music publishing industry, and the emerging Vitaphone technology.
Notable Features
Includes the 'First National Vitaphone' logo and a specific regional retail distributor stamp from Milwaukee, adding historical authenticity to its provenance.
Condition Issues
Fraying/small tears at the upper edge, light foxing/toning of the paper, and typical handling creases across the surface.
Conservation Recommendations
Store in an acid-free, archival-quality sleeve with a backing board. Keep out of direct sunlight to prevent further fading of the green inks and yellowing of the paper.