[German Manuscript Poetry or Song Book kept by Soldier Ernst Schäfer in 1858].

Serving in the 3rd Company of the 14th Infantry Regiment

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German-language manuscript song book or book of poetry kept by soldier Ernst Schäfer.

Almost the entire manuscript is arranged in stanzas comprising either poems or songs. Musical notations are not seen in the manuscript though many of the individual titles within do use the word “lied,” German for song.

A two-page section titled “Evangelium” [Gospel] hints at some of the contents; an opening line of one song/poem refers to “Glück” or happiness. The songs/poems don’t appear to be religious in nature and are, in the main, probably popular songs.

Schäfer’s ownership inscription on the first page states that he served in the 3rd Company of the 14th Infantry Regiment and was stationed at Lichtenau during the months of October–December 1858. A German military almanac for 1858 reports that the regiment was from Zandt and that that year they were garrisoned at Lichtenau, Germersheim, and Nürnberg under the command of Oberst Friedrich Binder.¹ The opening line of one song (p[13]) appears to make a reference to Nürnberg.

Curiously, a difficult to read inscription on the front endpaper recurs four additional times in the manuscript. This notebook was purchased in New York State. There is a possibility Schäfer emigrated to America, but we have no evidence to support this at present.

Price: $300.00