A rare Meissen 'Sea Life' chess set circa 1924-34

designed by Max Esser, comprising: thirty-two chess pieces modelled as sea creatures and a matching chess board molded on two sides with waves and sea foam and on the other two sides with octapuses, crossed swords and dot marks in underglaze-blue, incised A. 1082 and 1083 and various incised numerals. 33 pieces.

Red pieces: one lobster broken in half and repaired, tail end restored. the other lobster broken in half and glued and tiny chip to tail end both squid in good conditiion both seahorses each with a chip to one 'ear' fin. King - small chip to 'crown' Queen - good condition Pawns - all in good condition except one with a tiny chip under the base. Black pieces: King - tiny chip to edge of base Queen - good condition Squid - good condition Seahorses- both each with a small chip to one 'ear' fin and one also with a chip to the lower edge of the dorsal fin. Lobster - one broken in two and restored and with a tiny chip to tail end. The other broken and glued and with part of tail end chipped away. Pawns - all in good condition. Board - feet appear to have been later attached - possibly at the factory. Otherwise in good condition.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.