Verdi, Giuseppe.

first edition of the original version, 122 pages, oblong 4to, engraved throughout on 2-stave systems, title within an octagonal border, 16 numbers, plate numbers 1651-1666, ("riduzione di L. Truzzi"), publisher's yellow wrappers, light dustmarking to wrapper--Rigoletto, Milan: Ricordi [1851], duet no.7 only, engraved music, plate number 23177, single pagination (1-9), lithographed pictorial title showing the famous Quartet in Act 3--Alzira, [4 numbers], Naples, F^{lli Fabricatore, [1845?],} titles in blue ornamental borders, plate numbers 195-198--Giovanni d'Arco, [3 numbers], Naples: Girard, [1845]

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 is the first edition of La traviata, arguably the best-loved opera of all time and of legendary rarity.

We have traced no copy of any of Clausetti's editions of La traviata, the only ones containing the original version of the opera, in any British or American library.  Ricordi's edition did not appear until 1855, after Verdi revised the opera for Venice in May 1854 (although Ricordi prepared ten numbers in 1853, it was never issued complete).  Thus, "the only printing of ...the original version of La traviata was by Clausetti of Naples" (Fuld). The present  piano-solo arrangement (ie without separate vocal parts), was issued contemporaneously with the vocal score and shares the same title page and first number ("Preludio").  Both are practically unobtainable on the market.  It contains the vocal lines, and some of the sung text, but all subsumed into the piano score, rather than on a separate stave. 

The four numbers published by Fabricatore from Alzira are also notable: the opera was first staged in Naples and Ricordi's edition did not appear until 1846; so this may be the unrecorded first edition of numbers from the opera. .