1921 "The Sheik of Araby" Sheet Music — Smith, Wheeler & Snyder, Framed

First-edition sheet music cover for "The Sheik of Araby," the 1921 Tin Pan Alley standard with words by Harry B. Smith and Francis Wheeler and music by Ted Snyder, published by Waterson, Berlin & Snyder Co. The lithographed cover depicts a turbaned sheik cradling a swooning blonde beneath a deep blue arched moon — a direct cash-in on the Rudolph Valentino film released that same year. Publisher's circular logo present at lower left.

Written in response to the Valentino picture, the song became one of the defining hits of the Jazz Age and was later reworked by countless artists — most famously by the Beatles during their 1969 Get Back sessions, and as a recurring number for Fats Waller, Django Reinhardt, and Leon Redbone. Presented here in a black metal frame with dark brown mat under glass, ready to hang.

CONDITION

Good with age-appropriate wear. Torn upper left corner of the sheet. Toning and light foxing throughout the paper. Matting shows water marks at the lower edge. Frame intact with glass. A name appears upper center.

DIMENSIONS / SPECIFICATIONS

• Frame (Overall): 16" H × 13" W
• Visible Sheet: 11½" H × 8½" W
• Publisher: Waterson, Berlin & Snyder Co., New York
• Copyright: 1921
• Words: Harry B. Smith and Francis Wheeler
• Music: Ted Snyder