Four Meissen figures of guinea fowl circa 1741

modelled by J. J. Kändler, the first two with white speckled markings and white patches to their backs, the other two with white speckled markings, each bird standing astride a tree stump applied with leaves (some restoration)

First pair: Christie's London, 3rd July 1978, lot 68
Second pair: Christie's London, 31st March 1980, lot 210

The first pair both with restoration to necks and beaks. One with restoration to comb and wattle. One with restoration to base. Both with restoration to leaves. The second pair both with black specking to the glaze. One with small chips to wattle. Both with chips to leaves.
"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 September 1741 entry in Kändler's Taxa records 'Eine Perl Henn in Thon poussirt von mittelmässiger Größe, welche ebens falls Compagnon eine andere Perhenne abgeben soll, damit solche Stüke allzeit gegeneinander sehen' [Modelled in clay a guinea fowl  of medium size, which will build the groundwork for another companion so that these pieces will always face each other]. A similar pair are listed and illustrated by Rückert (1966), p. 198, nos. 1129-30 and p. 201; another is illustrated by Albiker (1935), pl. XXXIII, no. 136.