The Varying Sizes of World War One Sheet Music
Sheet music during World War One originally was printed in large format -
approximately 10 x 13 inches. As the war progressed, paper on the homefront became scarce.
When this happened, music publishers came out with "Patriotic War Editions" of
their sheet music. These were in a variety of smaller format sizes, ranging from 6 x 10 to
8 x 11 inches. On the cover of many of these issues from Leo Feist Company was this
description: "PATRIOTIC WAR EDITION. To co-operate with the Government and to
conserve paper during the War, this song is issued in a smaller size than usual. Your
co-operation will be very much appreciated."
Toward the end of the war, some publishers began issuing music in what is today the
standard sheet music size. WARNING: many people trimmed their old large format sheet music
down to the new standard size, so be careful when purchasing what appears to be standard
size sheet music dated prior to 1920 to make sure that it has not been neatly trimmed
down.
