Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus

first edition of the "Haydn" Quartets, with the celebrated epistolary dedication by Mozart to Haydn in the first violin part ("Al mio caro Amico Haydn..."), 45, 40, 33 and 24 pages, folio (c.32.5 x 24.6cm), engraved throughout, ornamental title-page to violin I and viola parts, plate number 59, modern folder, title and first and last page of music of violin II part supplied in manuscript, possibly in a contemporary Viennese scribal hand, violoncello part without any title and with first and last two pages of music supplied in an apparently eighteenth-century scribal hand, with a loose title-page in manuscript dated Vienna, December 1796, the violin II and viola parts disbound, spine of violin I part repaired with translucent adhesive tape, a few small tears and some small stains

See Haberkamp, pp.182-183, and Hirsch, iv 57 

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."

Copies of Mozart's "Haydn" Quartets, the most celebrated publication in the history of chamber music, are exceedingly rare at auction. The last copy to be sold in these rooms was offered on 8 December 2000 (lot 136).