A Meissen dish from the Swan Service circa 1737-41

modelled by J. J. Kändler and J. F. Eberlein, moulded with two swans swimming amongst bulrushes in the centre and a crane in flight overhead against a shell-mounted ground, the rim painted with the marriage arms of Brühl and Kolowrat-Krakowsky, scattered sprigs and blooms of indianische Blumen within a gilt-dashed rim; minor wear to gilt rim 

Very minor chip to foot rim.
"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 Swan Service was commissioned by Heinrich Graf von Brühl, the Chief Minister of Frederick Augustus II of Saxony from 1746 and director of the Meissen factory between 1733-1763, on the occasion of his marriage in 1737 to Gräfin Franziska von Kolowrat-Krakowska. A manufactory report of May 1736 reports that a table service was ordered for Count Brühl, 'of entirely new design'. The service originally comprised 2200 pieces and represented one of the largest and most magnificent services Meissen has ever produced. It remained in the family's possession until the late 19th century.
The design of the plates was based on engravings after Wenzel Hollar (after Francis Barlow), publisheb by Leonard Buggel in Nuremberg in 1700. The first prototype was modelled by Kändler in 1736.