the Stichvorlage, notated by Nikolai and Anna Medtner in black and violet ink over pencil, signed by the composer in Russian and English over the music in blue ink, with revised passages and additions in violet ink, on two four-stave systems per page, with several passages rewritten, including the beginning, the new music entered on leaves or parts of leaves later affixed to, and covering, the original versions, with later additional music and markings in violet ink, marked up and for the printer in pencil and red crayon, with a manuscript pencil note by Anna Medtner on the first page of music about the dedication to the Maharaja of Mysore

132 pages, large 4to (31 x 23.5cm), 12-stave English paper ("R.C.1"), patterned boards, no place or date, [Warwickshire and London, 1943-1951], a few tears, repairs to the first leaf, some staining and a few repairs to lower corners and leading edges, some hinges reinforced,   

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 a working manuscript, written first in pencil by Medtner and copied over calligraphically in ink by his wife Anna and with notes and other material for the publisher also by Anna.   The Third Piano Concerto was one of Nikolai Medtner's last works, largely composed in 1943 whilst living in rural Warwickshire at the home of his devoted pupil Edna Iles (1905-2003).  Edna later recorded that "one day he gave me the first movement of his Third Concerto, saying it was the first time he had ever given part of a work before the whole was completed. I started learning it at once and in three weeks we were playing it together on two pianos".  Medtner also presented Edna with his manuscript, which is now part of BL. MS Mus. 1748.   The concerto was published in this form in 1951, the year of the composer's death.  The score has evidently been heavily used by the composer over a number of years, both for performance and later, with additions, for the publisher.