A rare and important Chelsea "billing doves" tureen and cover, circa 1755

naturally modelled as two doves resting on rockwork, their plumage marked in tones of reddish- brown and purple, the eyes ringed in pale iron-red, one side applied with flowering branches, picked out in tones of pink, iron-red, blue and yellow with green leaves, both pieces with red anchor mark and numeral 12, cover repaired

With James A.Lewis & Son, New York.
Sold Sotheby's London, 13th November 1973, lot 120 ( £9,500 to Winifred Williams).
Acquired from Winifred Williams, London, 29 January 1979

Illustrated by F.Severne Mackenna, Chelsea Porcelain, The Red Anchor Wares, pl.35, no.72.

Cover: Located on the dove to the right, the piece has been broken into six parts and restored, there is a restored chip on the top of the bird's head, the wing tip of the same bird at some point was secured with two rivets, these have since been removed and the holes filled. There is a restored chip to the bird's beak. To the bird in the left of the piece, there is an extended firing crack to the wing. The tureen is in good condition. There is some typical kiln fritting along the flange and some small chips to the applied leaves.
"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."

Frequent entries for ‘A very fine Tureen in the shape of a Double Pigeon as big as life’, and 'A beautiful tureen in the shape of a double pigeon with a fine basket work dish' are to be found in the 1755 Chelsea Sale catalogue, on the First Day's Sale,  lot 23, and then 10 further times that year. Another example was sold in these rooms, 1st March, 1994, lot 298. The model was also copied at Worcester.