The musical licensing organization ASCAP (American Society of Composers and Publishers) was founded in 1914 as a way of ensuring copyright protection and fair compensation for composers and lyricists. Nearly a century later, it remains the largest and most influential organization of its kind, with nearly a quarter of a million members and nearly three quarters of a billion dollars in annual licensing revenues. Scarce vintage matte-finish 12.25 x 9.75 photo picturing the ten charter members of ASCAP gathered around a piano, signed in fountain pen by all ten: Victor Herbert, Gustave Kerker, Raymond Hubbell, Harry Tierney, Louis A. Hirsch, Rudolph Friml, Robert Hood Bowen, Silvio Heni, A. Baldwin Sloane, and Irving Berlin. Matted and framed to an overall size of 19.5 x 16.5. In very good condition, with mild silvering, a few creases and edge tears (one most noticeable in upper left corner), not affecting signatures, and scattered lifting and erosion of ink, resulting in partial “drop-outs” to several signatures, including Berlin and Herbert, which nonetheless remain fully legible. Despite these faults, the item retains much visual appeal, and only a handful of examples are known. COA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
