Note 185 — Chapter X · (continued 2)
Henry Edward Krehbiel translation
The attested inventory of the sale of Beethoven’s effects, which, preserved by Fischoff, passed through the hands of Otto Jahn into those of Mr. Thayer, showed that his estate amounted to 9,885 florins, 13 kreutzer, silver, and 600 florins, paper (Vienna standard). The market value of the bank-shares, including an unpaid coupon attached to each, was 1,063 florins on the day of Beethoven’s death. In the item of cash is included the £100 received from the London Philharmonic Society, which, as has been stated, was found intact. The official summary was set forth as follows:
Cash1215 fl. (C. M.) 600 fl. (W. W.)
Bank-shares7441 fl.
Debts receivable (annuity)144 fl. 33 k.
Jewels and silverware314 fl. 30 k.
Clothing37 fl.
Furniture and household goods156 fl.
Instruments78 fl.
Music and manuscripts480 fl. 30 k.
Books18 fl. 20 k.
9885 fl. 13 k. 600 fl. (W. W.)
According to a statement by Aloys Fuchs to Jahn the sum realized from the sale of the musical compositions, autographic and otherwise, sketch-books, etc., was 1063 florins. In view of the difference in purchasing power of money in 1827 and 1913 it may be said that Beethoven’s estate amounted to the equivalent of £3,000, or about $15,000.