Debussy, Claude.

describing the "14th quartet" of Beethoven as a long practical joke, despite what young savants say about it in L'art et la Vie, and expressing the wish not to be wearied any more with old stuff that doesn't even have any period charm ("...et que l'on ne nous embète plus avec les vieux meubles qui n'ont pas même garder la parfum de leur siecle!..."), remarking that the music he is presently composing will probably only be understood by children of the twentieth century, reporting listening to Polignac's music, and apologizing for not writing earlier,  2 pages, 8vo, autograph envelope ("Monsieur Pierre Louys"), [Paris], February 1895

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."

Debussy's reference to the "fourteenth quartet of Beethoven"  may mean the C-sharp minor string quartet Op.131, in seven movements (according to the sequence of opus numbers), or the Grosse Fuge Op.133 ( the first French edition by Schlesinger was titled "Quatuorzième Quatuor").