William De Morgan

comprising designs of a hippocamp (serial no. 196), a strutting peacock, a vulture and snake (serial no. 166) and two storks (serial no. 9)

Martin Greenwood, The Designs of William De Morgan, Somerset, 1989, pp. 125 (for the "Hippocamp" tile design), 128 (for the "Strutting Peacock" tile design), 130 (for the "Vulture and Snake" tile design) and 131 (for the "2 Storks" tile design)

Each overall in very good condition consistent with age. The glazed surfaces with minor scattered craquelure, consistent with age. The upper and lower edges with very minor scattered pinhead nicks, which do not appear visually disruptive. The "Hippocamp" tile presents with a chip to the bottom left corner of the glazed surface which measures approximately 3/4 in. wide and is visible in the catalogue illustration. The "Strutting Peacock" tile presents with a few very minor isolated nicks to the glazed and reverse surfaces. The "Vulture" tile presents with a few minor scattered chips, the largest to the upper right hand corner of the glazed surface, measures approximately 1/4 in. wide and is not visually disruptive. The top right corner and right edge of the reverse with two minor and shallow chips, each measuring approximately 3/4 in. The "Strutting Peacock" tile presents with a few very minor isolated nicks to the glazed and reverse surfaces and are not visually disruptive. The tiles have been inspected under ultraviolet light and it appears that not visible restoration has been undertaken. A beautiful and well preserved set in overall very good condition.
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.