Lot 435
  • 435

A very rare Chelsea pigeon tureen and cover, red anchor period, circa 1755

Estimate
15,000 - 20,000 GBP
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Description

  • porcelain
  • 18cm., 7in.high
naturalistically modelled with its head turned to the right, seated among wheatears and coloured flowers, on a low mound base, its plumage mainly purple with white highlights, the wing bays with white and yellow markings, repair to cover

Provenance

This appears to be the only published example, appearing four times at auction between 1966 and 1978:
Property of the Trustees of the late Walter, Lord Cuncliffe of Headley, sold Sotheby's, London, 15th March 1966, lot 195.
Property of R.Alistair McAlpine, Esq., sold Christie's, London, 11th March 1974, lot 86.
Sold Christie's, London, 20th June 1977, lot 109.
Sold Sotheby's, London, 24th October 1978, lot 78, ( to Winifred Williams).
Acquired from Winifred Williams, London, 2 May 1979

Condition

Cover- restoration to beak.Restored break around base of neck. Two restored and previously riveted breaks eminating from this break and extending to the rims, onr running paralley to the neck, the other running across the bird's back. Small area of restoration to tip of feathers.Shallow glaze chip/blemish to edge of cover, approx. 1cm. by 0.75cm., possibly done at time of manufacture. Tureen- Overall in good condition. Minor nicks around edge Some crazing and light brown staining to glaze to interior.
"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."

Catalogue Note

Although smaller pigeon tureens are recorded ( 38 pairs are mentioned in the Chelsea Sale Catalogue of 1755), this would appear to be the only recorded example of this size.