• WHEN I COME BACK TO YOU by William Tracy & Jack Stern Vintage Sheet Music ©1918
  • WHEN I COME BACK TO YOU by William Tracy & Jack Stern Vintage Sheet Music ©1918
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Douglas & Newman Music Company

1918 When I Come Back to You (We’ll Have a Yankee-Doodle Wedding) Barbelle WWI Cover

1918 When I Come Back to You (We’ll Have a Yankee-Doodle Wedding) Barbelle WWI Cover

$42.00 USD
$42.00 USD
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Low stock: 1 left

AT A GLANCE

Title:
When I Come Back to You
Publisher:
Douglas & Newman Music Co., New York
Type:
Sheet music
Performance medium:
Piano & voice
Artist:
Albert Wilfred Barbelle (1887–1957)
Composer:
William Tracey (1883–1957)
Lyricist:
Jack Stern (1896–1985)
Era:
WWI & Early Jazz (1914 - 1919)
Date:
1918
Material:
Paper
Dimensions:
10 ½" x 13 ½"
Condition:
Good (G)

When I Come Back to You Signed Barbelle WWI Soldier & Sweetheart Cover

Collector’s Note

With no known commercial recording of this World War I song, the sheet‑music edition — especially with its signed Barbelle cover — stands as the definitive surviving artifact of the piece. Barbelle’s work is highly prized among WWI illustration collectors, and this emotionally charged reunion scene also holds strong crossover appeal for military‑history and political‑ephemera collectors, capturing the patriotic optimism of the American home front.

Published in 1918 by Douglas & Newman Music Co., When I Come Back to You (We’ll Have a Yankee-Doodle Wedding) pairs tender wartime lyrics with a visually powerful cover design by Albert Wilfred Barbelle (1887–1957).

Barbelle’s illustration depicts a uniformed soldier embracing his sweetheart before departure for the war front. The couple stands framed within a large white bell motif — symbolically evoking wedding bells, homecoming, and patriotic celebration. The muted army-brown palette enhances the emotional gravity of the composition while maintaining visual elegance.

Barbelle is one of the most sought-after American sheet-music illustrators of the early 20th century, and his signature in the lower corner adds collectible value. His World War I covers in particular are highly desirable among military, patriotic, and illustration collectors.

Composed by William Tracey with lyrics by Jack Stern (1896–1985), the piece reflects the era’s common theme of wartime separation and promised reunion. The back cover features printed excerpts from additional Tracey & Stern collaborations — making even the reverse visually display-worthy.

The sheet music is in very good vintage condition. Mild edge tears present, consistent with age. Structurally sound and highly displayable. The size, 10 ½" x 13 ½", is oversized and remains uncut.

Framing Appeal

The oversized uncut format and dramatic Barbelle illustration make this an exceptional framing candidate. Matted in archival ivory and framed in dark wood or black, it works beautifully in a study, military collection, or historic Americana display. The printed reverse is equally suitable for double-sided framing.

Just a quick heads‑up: the photos reveal details far better than text alone, so they’re worth a close review.

We share as much accurate information as possible about each item—from provenance to condition—but the images often show the nuances best. If you ever need more details, we’re always happy to help.

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Why Collect Vintage Sheet Music

Collecting old sheet music invites you into a world where history, art, and melody intertwine. Each piece is more than printed notation—it's a preserved moment in time. For music lovers, history buffs, and creative minds alike, building a collection offers both personal satisfaction and the possibility of uncovering items of real value.

From classical masterpieces to the spirited energy of the Jazz Age, vintage sheet music reflects how music shaped culture across generations. First editions of composers like Chopin or Gershwin are especially coveted, treasured for their historical and monetary worth. As Smithsonian Magazine notes, these artifacts provide a vivid window into America’s musical and cultural evolution.

Collectors often cherish sheet music not only for its sound but for its striking cover art. Displayed as décor, it brings warmth and character to any room. Others breathe new life into old pages through creative projects—turning them into artwork, journals, or crafts that merge nostalgia with personal style.

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