Wagner, Richard.

to an unidentified gentleman in Paris, asking if he can assume that the expressions of regret directed at him the previous day were really meant, so that now he may ask him to lend him two thousand francs until the end of the week, which would allow him to arrange for a third concert, asking him to confirm if this would be possible and assuring him that he will repay the amount by next Saturday ("...Darf ich wirklich annehmen, dass Ihr gestern mir ausgedrücktes Bedauern aufrichtig gemeint war, so erlaube ich mir heute Ihnen anzudeuten, wie Sie durch ein geringeres Opfer mir schliesslich noch von grosser Hülfe sein können..."), 1 page, 8vo, 16 rue Newton, [Paris], "Sonntag früh", annotated in another hand "5 fevrier 1860"

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

In early 1860, Wagner conducted three concerts of extracts from his works at the Théâtre-Italien in Paris, intent on realizing his ultimate aim of securing a great success at the Opéra. Wagner took any opportunity to ask for money for these concerts, the last of which took place on 8 February.  The concerts ended with a large deficit, but succeeded in drawing attention to Wagner's music: he finally had Tannhäuser staged at the Opéra in March 1861.