Office of the Dead, decorated manuscript, in Latin, on vellum

65 leaves, 202mm. by 140mm., missing a few leaves at beginning, collation: i^{7 (vii a singleton), ii-vii8, viii6 (i and vi singletons), ix1, x3 (last leaf cancelled), single column, 20 lines in dark brown ink in a hybrida script,vast majority of leaves with accompanying music in Hufnagelschrift on 4-line red staves, numerous initials beginning musical text in red with elaborate surrounding black penwork often picking out detailed human faces, late fifteenth- or sixteenth-century prayers added to verso of folio 65, first and last leaf torn at base with no loss to text, slight discolouration throughout else good condition, vellum over pasteboards}

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."

This small and handsome volume was made for a German monk, and includes offices to be sung by the cantor and the choir on the funeral of a presbiter and the death of a fellow inmate or priest (fol. 36rv).