R. WAGNER. AUTOGRAPH MUSICAL QUOTATION FROM "DIE MEISTERSINGER", THE MARCH OF THE MASTERSINGERS, 1868

comprising an eight-bar quotation of the famous March of the Mastersingers [the bass line from the Overture], notated in dark brown ink on two staves, inscribed by the composer ("Meistersinger" and "Tribschen 24 Apr. 68") 1 page, on card, c.7.5 x 12.7cm, Triebschen, 24 April 1868

Sotheby's, 23 November 1977, lot 291A; by descent from the Berlin scholar and autograph collector Professor Eugen Wolbe (1873-1938).

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. We have traced no autograph musical quotation from Die Meistersinger at auction since this item was sold here in 1977.  Wagner evidently wrote this example a couple of months before the premiere at Munich on 21 June 1868. However, Wagner had already conducted the Overture in Leipzig on 1 November 1862.