A PAIR OF MEISSEN MONTEITHS FROM THE SWAN SERVICE, CIRCA 1740-41 |

modelled by Johann Friedrich Eberlein, the oval body molded in low relief with spirally radiating shellwork, and applied on either side in the center with a gilt rocaille cartouche painted with the Brühl and Kolowrat-Krakowska arms, affixed on either end with a half-bust nymph suspending on either side a garland of flowerheads, fruit, crayfish and shells, the rim with upright gilt scallop shells modeled with cascades of water serving as lugs, crossed swords marks in underglaze-blue, impressed numerals 23 or 25(?) 2 pieces

One, sold, Sotheby's, London, February 22, 1966, lot 80
The Antique Company of New York, Inc., November 1969

The example in the front of the catalogue illustration. The piece is intact and in generally good appearance. When viewed under a UV there are traces of restoration spray at the following areas: To the facing side, the nymph handle on right, with restoration and chip to right hand, and left thumb and index finger, her right branch of her tail; the nymph on the left, to right hand and left fingers. The Nymphs handles overall appear intact. There is restoration around the armorial cartouche, the garland on the right of the armorial with two shells and flower at center restored; the garland on left side with single leaf. The reverse side, with restorations at the same points at the cartouche and hanging garlands. When viewed under a UV light there appears to be spray around the inner edge of the rim, and to the terminals of all the applied shells, with traces of associated re-gilding to rim. Some wear to gilding along the fringe above the foot and to raised molding of applied scrollwork cartouches. The example in the rear of the catalogue illustration. To the facing side, the nymph handle on right, with restoration around most of waist and right arm; the nymph on the left, her right tail fin restored, overall appearing intact with object. The shell directly behind this nymph re-stuck at terminal, and a small curving D-shaped section of rim probably re-stuck, with old-regilding and over-painting. The area measures approximately 8 cm x 3cm. All other shells at rim appear intact with object. The reverse side, there is a hairline crack at rim extending to footrim with a small area of infill. The area of body has been partially over-painted on exterior and interior. Overall three flowers of the garlands with restoration, the applied cartouches on both sides are intact with object. The restoration is of an older nature and could be refreshed.
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.

Eberlein's work records from July 1740 state: '1 großen Eißtopf für Exc. Brühl ganz wie eine Muschel mit 2 Henkeln won Sirenen, 2 Schildern un oben with 8 Muscheln besetzt.' [An ice pot (monteith) for his Exc. Brühl much like a shell with 2 handles as Sirens, 2 devices and on top affixed with 8 shells.], referenced in Ulrich Pietsch (ed.), Schwanenservice - Meissener Porzellan für Heinrich Graf von Brühl, Leipzig, 2000, p. 170.

Similar examples are found in the Dresden Porzellansammlung (Inv. no. P.E. 1418, published by Pietsch, ibid, pp. 169-70, no. 45), and another, undecorated, (Inv. no. P.E. 3703); the Dr. Schneider Collection, Schloss Lustheim in Munich, undecorated (Inv. no. ES 1577) and the Grassimuseum in Leipzig (Inv. no. 1911.92.)

Similar examples at auction include those sold at Sotheby's, London, November 28, 1961, lots 152-153; Sotheby Parke Bernet, March 12, 1968, lot 119; Sotheby's, London, April 11, 1972, lot 193; Christie's, London, July 10, 2007, lot 147 and June 4, 2013, lots 22-23.

Sotheby’s Scientific Research department used noninvasive XRF for this lot to screen the green enamel for chromium, which was not detected.