When I was young and learning piano my teacher would use pencil to write in the suggested finger number above notes. Thumb=1 pinky=5. This was a good reminder when reading the sheet music of where on the keyboard my hands should be positioned.
Image search returns some examples: https://ddg.gg/?q=piano+sheet+music+fingering&ia=images&iax=...
It's also very common for string instruments, even at higher levels for difficult passages.
> I've never seen sheet music have 'fingering' info ever.
Classical guitar sheet music often has markings for fingering. See the first example on this page. http://lilypond.org/doc/v2.21/Documentation/snippets/fretted...
Beginner piano books often have fingering hints, it’s just finger numbers beside the notes. It makes playing easier when you can’t sight read but is not so useful after that. So it’s not surprising you haven’t seen it.
I’d contend finger numbering is more about learning the notes of a piece easily for beginners rather than about actual fingering.
I grew up with a piano in the house, have had sheet music for loads of instruments (played sax, piano, guitar, family had trumpet/clarinet/misc in house too). Have taken music theory classes, performed in bands in middle/high schools and college.
I've never seen sheet music have 'fingering' info ever.
Can someone point me to examples of what is being referred to here?