A MEISSEN WÄRMEGLOCKE FROM THE SWAN SERVICE, CIRCA 1737-41 |

modelled by Johann Friedrich Eberlein, the domed cover molded in low relief with a crane in flight above two swans and a crane amidst waves and rushes against a ground of spirally radiating shell-work, on either side with a molded gilt rocaille cartouche painted with the Brühl and Kolowrat-Krakowska arms, applied with scattered shells and leafy flower sprigs, set with a gilt bronze handle, unmarked

The Antique Company of New York, Inc., January 1969

The piece is intact and in overall good appearance. There have been minor restorations to the vulnerable applied decorations. These are listed as follows: To the side showing an armorial flanked by a red striped shell: the tip of a leaf of the flower above the armorial, the flower to the right with half of the flower petals and two leaves restored, one of which has a chipped tip. The side with an armorial flanked by a black striped shell: the flower to the upper left with seven petals and two leaves restored, the flower to right, all but one petal and all leaves restored, the edge of the shell to the right and the small flower to the right with one petal restored There is some minor patches of rubbing to the gilded border at the top of the dome, minor wear to gilding of armorial cartouches. The overall molding is crisp.
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 referenced this model in his work records for November 1740: 'Noch eine gröβe Klogge mit dem Schwanen Desseng und zwei Schildern für Brühl.', [Another large glocke, of the Swan design and two dishes for Brühl.] and December of the same year, '1 dergl. große Schüssel Glocke zu Nr. 5 mit dem Schwanen Desseng', [1 similar large dome glocke, number 5 with the swan design.] The model is mentioned again in February 1741, 'Eine groβe Schüssel-Glocke zu Nr. 6 mit dem Schwanen-Dessin und Zwei Schildern für Bruhl’, [A large dome glocke, number 6 with the swan design and two dishes] referenced in Ulrich Pietsch (ed.), Schwanenservice - Meissener Porzellan für Heinrich Graf von Brühl, Leipzig, 2000, p. 161-162.

Similar examples are found in the National Museum in Warsaw (Inv. no. P.E. 129.474 MNW); in the Museum of Applied Arts in Poznań (Inv. no. MNP Rz203); the Dresden Porzellansammlung (Inv. no. P.E. 1426), all published by Pietsch, ibid, pp. 161-162. nos. 31-33; the Dr. Schneider Collection, Schloss Lustheim in Munich (Inv. no. ES 1562 and ES1563, published by Paul Schnyder von Wartensee, 'Meissner Wappen Service des 18. Jahrhunderts', Keramikfreunde der Schweiz, Nr. 50, 1960, Abb. 138) and the Stockholm Nationalmuseum (Inv. no. NM 58/1947).

An example of this size was sold, Sotheby Parke Bernet, New York, November 28, 1967, lot 119. Similar examples at auction include those from the Felix Kramarsky Collection (with a circular dish), sold, Sotheby Parke Bernet, New York, January 10, 1959, lot 711, formerly with Rosenberg & Stiebel, Inc., New York, and the Collection of Count Szeinbeck; and the Property from the Collections of Lily & Edmond J. Safra - Volumes I-VI, Sotheby's, New York, October 18-21, 2011, lot 914, formerly sold, Christie's, New York, April 23, 1998, lot 104.

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