A pair of Meissen figures of Sparrowhawks circa 1739

modelled by J. J. Kändler, each naturalistically coloured and craned over and devouring prey, one with a mouse, the other with a lark picked out in delicate colours, each perched on a tree with flowering creepers, crossed swords marks in underglaze-blue (some restoration to both, one with haircrack)

Olive, Lady Baillie, Lowndes House, London (dining room), acquired from Maison Jansen, Paris, 29th June 1929

The figure with mouse: London, Asprey, no.6A  (Exhibited together with the pendant figure lot 5 in this sale, in error, as a pair)

minor restoration to foliage, one with restoration to tail, the other with one tail feather restored, horizontal haircrack and bruise 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."

The models were created by Kändler in 1734 and 1739; the Taxa for 1734 reads 'Ein Rittelweibgen oder Lerchen Geyer welches vorgestellet in Lebens Größe wie es eine Lerche frißt ruhet auf einem verzierten Postament.' [1 kestrel or lark vulture, depicted life-size, devouring a lark, resting on an ornate pedestal].

The models are illustrated by Albiker (1959), pls. 86 and 87; other pairs were in the Gustav von Gerhardt collection, sold at Lepke, Berlin, 7th November 1911, lot 87; the collection of the Right Hon. Lord Hastings, Sotheby's London, 6th June 1950, lot 139; the Collection of Nelson A. Rockefeller, Sotheby's New York 11th April 1980, lot 181; the Guttmann collection, Christie's London, 5th July 2004, lots 169 and 170; the Engelhard collection, Christie's New York, March 18th 2005, lot 34; and in the Rockefeller sale, Sotheby's New York, 11th October 2005, lot 205.