Beethoven, Ludwig van

with a long note of authenticity and provenance dating from the mid-nineteenth century

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 note of authenticity, which is unsigned and must date from 1860s at the earliest, reveals that a large lock was removed from Beethoven’s head by Anton Gräffer and given to the composer Otto Nicolai in Vienna, before his removal to Berlin. It then passed into the possession of Geheim-Legitationsrath Ambronn. It was later divided and passed through the hands of Fräulein Schröder (Grossschönewald) and Fräulein Breit of Langenbachstift, passing on to the Rank family in Solingen.

A number of locks of hair of Beethoven, apparently removed after his death, have passed through the sale-room. These have sometimes been further divided and are usually greyer than the present example. Perhaps it was cut from a part of his head which was not so luxuriantly grey, or it might even have been removed at some time before he died.