Luxist

Key's rousing song perfectly mirrored Americans' heightened patriotic fervor in the wake of
the destruction of Washington and the bombardment of Fort McHenry. Broadside and
newspaper printings under the title "The Defence of Fort McHenry," swiftly circulated. The verses' runaway popularity was given strong impetus when Key's lyrics were set to the tune
of a well-known drinking tune "The Anacreontic Song," attributed to the English composer,
John Stafford Smith (1740-1846). Pre-sale estimate: $200,000 to $300,000. SOLD FOR $506,500 (including the buyer's premium) SETTING A NEW WORLD RECORD FOR SHEET MUSIC SOLD AT AUCTION.