Frameworthy "When You’re Alone" (1919) — Gene Pressler Cover Portrait | Two Publishing Variants

Gene Pressler Portrait Cover — Post-WWI Elegance in Sheet Music Form

Offered here are two original 1919 publishing variants of When You're Alone, from Artmusic, Inc. and Broadway Music Corporation — presenting subtle copyright and printing distinctions that add further historical interest.

Composed by Otto Spencer with written by Eugene West at the close of World War I, When You’re Alone reflects the romantic sentimentality of early postwar America. The ballad format and refined portrait cover capture the elegance of the transitional period between wartime austerity and Jazz Age glamour.

The cover illustration by Gene Pressler is the highlight — a softly rendered watercolor-style portrait of a fashionable young woman in a wide-brimmed hat accented with a rose and dramatic dark scarf. The restrained palette and painterly technique exemplify high-quality commercial illustration of the late 1910s. Pressler is recognized for his work in The Saturday Evening Post, Ladies’ Home Journal, and national advertising campaigns. 

Two authentic publishing variants are available:

🎼 Edition 1 — Artmusic, Inc.

• Published by original copyright holder Artmusic, Inc.
  
• Slightly smaller interior trim (approx. 8 7/8" wide)
• Due interior trim size, likely represents an earlier printing on a smaller press
• Gene Pressler signature slightly softer in printing
• L.S. Ayres (Indianapolis) department store stamp on front
• Near excellent condition; minor tears on back edge and light pink discoloration
  
• Back cover features the first page of music from four songs, including three composed by Albert Von Tiller.

🎼 Edition 2 — Broadway Music Corporation

• Copyright assigned to Broadway Music Corporation (Will Von Tilzer); includes British copyright notice
• Larger interior trim (approx. 9 1/4" wide)
• Sharper printing impression of the Pressler signature
• Higher quality paper and press clarity
• Excellent condition; minor pencil name on cover
• Back cover features first page of music for I'm Like a Ship Without a Sail.

Listen to the Columbia recording of When You're Alone here.