A Meissen figure of a starling circa 1740-50

probably modelled by J. J. Kändler, standing with one wing raised, the brown body with yellow wing edges and yellow-tipped tail, crossed swords mark in underglaze-blue, incised 974 (some restoration)

Christie's London, 25th June 1979, lot 209

restoration to beak and claws
"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 only example of this model to have appeared at auction, certainly in recent times, was unidentified, and catalogued as a 'bird of prey'. The colouration is certainly fanciful, but the incised '974' enables us to trace the model in the factory Catalogue of 1904, where it is still listed in production, with the model number 974, as a 'staar'; see pl. 57, no. 974. The model is also found illustrated in Albiker (1935), no. 140, where it is attributed to Kändler.

The starling which forms the pair to this model, no. 973 in the 1904 catalogue, has also appeared only once at auction in recent years; see Christie's London, 4th July 1988, lot 80.