A CHELSEA APPLE BOX AND A COVER CIRCA 1755

naturalistically modelled as a russet-streaked and spotted yellow apple with a leafy stem, a puce and green caterpillar forming the knop of the cover, the base with a red anchor mark and numeral 2 in iron-red, the cover with traces of a mark or numeral.

Property of Mrs. Rudoph de Trafford, sold, Christie's, London, October 28, 1963, lot 30
The Collection of Thomas George Burn, Rous Lench Court

London, Sotheby's Belgravia, "English Ceramics 1580-1830", August 11-28, 1977, no. 123

Generally good condition and although the cover and base appear to be assembled, they are a fairly good match and fit.
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.

Apple boxes or tureens of this model are mentioned in the 1755 Chelsea sale Catalogue, Fifteenth Day's Sale, Wednesday, March 26th, p. 57, lot 46: "Four fine large apples and leaves for desart".  A similar apple box and cover from the Collection of Mr. and Mrs. Saul Steinberg was sold in these rooms, May 26, 2000, lot 18 and two other similar apple boxes and covers from the Collection of The Late Honorable Douglas C. Dillon were sold in these rooms, New York, April 7, 2004 lots 20 and 21. Another example without a caterpillar knop was in the Collection of Josephine and Walter Buhl Ford II and was also sold in these rooms, New York, October 6, 2006, lot 299.