Mahler, Gustav

probably to "his patron" Hermann Behn in Hamburg, informing him that his Third Symphony will be published by a local firm [Weinberger], who is also printing all the orchestral parts, and asking Behn if he can assist him retrieve the printing plates of the Second Symphony from the engravers Röder; he has already asked his publisher to arrange this, but feels he ought to turn to his two patrons ("Berkan") to help, and asking Behn when he will finally visit him in Vienna ("...wie verhält es sich mit den Platten der C moll-Partitur? Ich war so keck, dieselben als meine Eigenthum zu bezeichnen..."), 2 pages, 8vo (c.17 x 13cms), integral blank, typed translation into English, Vienna, 13 January 1898,

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."

Hermann Behn helped Mahler financially, underwriting the cost of staging the premiere of the Second Symphony in 1895 (together with the Hamburg merchant Wilhelm Berkhan--being the two patrons mentioned in this letter).  Mahler wrote again to Behn on 21 January, asking for the plates of the score of the Second Symphony to be returned to him (see La Grange, ii, p.85).