A Meissen figure of a trumpeter pigeon circa 1732

modelled by J. J. Kändler, facing to the right, its plumage and elaborate feathered feet picked out in grey, brown and black, perched astride a mossy rock, crossed swords mark in underglaze-blue (some restoration)

Christie's London, 7th July 1997, lot 349

Broken through tail and end of right wing and restored. Restored tip of left wing, restoration to beak and feathers of right foot, feather restored on left foot as well as one claw. chips around base.
"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."

This figure, variously described as either a pigeon or a dove, is featured in Kändler's Taxa for September 1732:  'Hingegen der Modellmeister Kaentler zu einigen Modellen...8 Eine Trommel Taube poussiert und gefertiget' [for his part, Chief Modeller Kändler, several models...8 A Trumpeter Pigeon, modelled and completed]. Although initially modelled in response to an order from Augustus II for the Japanese Palace, completed figures were not delivered there exclusively.

The figure and that of a pigeon on its nest, which was modelled by Kändler in October of the same year, seem to be traditionally described as a pair, and were included in early collections such as that formed by the Elector Clemens Augustus of Cologne around 1745, and which is now in the Kunstgewerbemuseum Cologne. Examples of these pigeons are listed in the inventory of his collection as standing in the Coronation Hall of Schloss Poppelsdorf, 'Ein Paar Tauben, der Vogel hat Federn an den Füßen, ist hoch 9 Zoll, das Weibgen sitzet auf dem Nest' [A pair of pigeons, the bird has feathers on the feet is 9 Zoll high, the female sits on the nest], see Erich Köllmann, "Kurfürst Clemens August von Köln Ein Porzellansammler des 18. Jahrhunderts", Keramos 13 (1961), p. 26. Another is illustrated by Röbbig (2008), cat. no. 4. See also Albiker (1935), no. 109, for the example in the Dresden State Art Collections and Rückert (1966), no. 1102, for the example in the Kunstgewerbemuseum Cologne. A similar example of this rare early figure was sold, with a nesting example, at Christie's London, 17th October 1977, lot 196.