Vaughan Williams, Ralph

the opening three bars of the piano accompaniment, unsigned, but inscribed by the composer "Allegro alla marcia", notated in the original key of C minor, in black ink on two staves, with his autograph signature and title ("The Vagabond") written on two slips of paper, in blue ink, and laid down onto the page

1 page, 7.5 x 20.5cm, cut from a large sheet of printed music paper, in a window mount, no place or date [c.1900-1910], annotation in red ink cropped at right-hand edge, pencil annotations on verso 

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."

RARE.  This is an autograph fragment rather than a quotation, possibly connected with the composition of 'The Vagabond' in 1904.  The signature may have come from an accompanying letter by the composer.