Signé ; Ed. Thomas - Chansons [ensemble de partitions signées] - 1840

Important facsimile collection of 24 scores and French songs of the 19th century, large format (35 x 27 cm), preserved in an elegant antique half-red morocco binding. The spine, decorated with gilded edging, bears the title “Chansons”; the guards are marbleized paper.

The first piece is La Marseillaise illustrated, published in Paris by Aubert et Cie, editors of Journal des pianistes, in 1840, and printed by Eugène Duverger. The copy is complete with its 5 leaves, i.e., 10 pages, including the historical notice, the lyrics, the music, and the illustrations. The title page features a large patriotic engraving.

The volume then gathers 23 other French scores. The manuscript table of contents mentions Rouget de Lisle, Hippolyte Monpou, Gustave Nadaud, Auguste Olivier, Victor Parizot, Charles Plantade, Jacques Offenbach, Joseph Darcier, and Émile Ducellier.

The major interest of this copy lies in the presence of four autograph inscribes signed “Ed. Thomas,” written on four different printed scores from the collection. Several inscriptions mention Monsieur or Madame Chevallier and use the phrases “souvenir affectueux” and “témoignage affectueux.” The handwriting and signatures are consistent across the four documents. These are indeed signed autograph inscriptions, not autographed scores, since the music and lyrics are printed.

Ed. Thomas is documented as a French lyricist active in Paris in the 1860s. The Bibliothèque nationale de France lists him notably as the author of the lyrics to La Corde du pendu, to music by Joseph Darcier, published in 1867. The gathering of four inscriptions in a single volume thus constitutes a personal and documentary testimony that is unusual.

Sturdy, decorative binding, with rubbing and wear to the boards, spine, headbands, edges, and corners. Paper shows foxing, some stains, browning, and signs of use consistent with age. Small margin defects may be present. La Marseillaise illustrée has been checked complete. Overall sold in its antique condition; photographs are an integral part of the description.

Reinforced protective packing, tracked and insured shipping.