Schubert, Franz.

First edition of "Death and the Maiden", D.531, bearing Schubert's control mark on the back of the last leaf ("Sch[paraph] 182."), written either by him or on his behalf, 11 pages, oblong 4to (c.25 x 33.5cms), watermarks "UFF" and "1821", early ownership inscription to title ("Bischoff"), engraved music ("C.et D. No.855"), modern morocco-backed boards [Hoboken 41], staining to title

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."

The positive identification of the composer's hand from such short inscriptions is always open to question, but we can say that the control marks are present only on the earliest issues of the songs published as Opus 1 to Opus 14, dating from 1821-1822, and confirm these are among the earliest copies issued directly on behalf of the composer.  Some have opined that all the control marks are by Ferdinand Schubert or Leopold von Sonnleithner, but in fact a variety of hands are present.  In the Gesellschaft der Musikfreunde, where many examples from the collections of Brahms, Spaun and Sonnleithner are held, Brahms himself identifies Schubert's hands on a number of copies.