Ferdinand Preiss

cold painted bronze and ivory, the girl modelled looking to her left with on arm behind her back, the other holding a hoop, the boy looking right with both hands in his pockets and a book under one arm, both on green onyx bases

First bought by the grandmother of the current vendor, thought to be in the 1930s.

Other examples of these models are illustrated, Alberto Shayo, Ferdinand Preiss, Art Deco Sculptor, The fire and the flame, Woodbridge, 2005, 130;

Bryan Catley, Art Deco and other Figures, Woodbridge, 2000, pp.257, 267;

 Victor Arwas, Art Deco Sculpture, Shen Zhen, 1984, p. 105 (Hoop Girl).

Both figures of good overall appearance with minor old marks and scratches in places consistent with age. Hoop Girl: Hair of good colour, slightly worn to extremities. Bronze slightly blemished consistent with age, more so to hoop. Hoop slightly loose and small stick held behind her back lacking. Colour to shoes good, with two minor losses of paint to the inner sides of the soles to each shoe, none of which are distracting (0.1cm. by 0.1cm. and 0.2cm.). Ivory good with one very fine 0.5cm. crack down the upper arms which is hardly visible, two similar down the side of the neck and one slightly more visible above her right brow going from the hairline to the eyelid. The loupe shows another very fine line from the right side of her nose going down over the mouth to her chin. Some blush visible to her left cheek. Base with one small (circa 0.2cm. wide) chip to middle edge. Sonny Boy: Colour to hair and eyes slightly worn but generally good. Patina slightly blemished consistent with age but still vibrant in colour. Two very fine lines going down the side of his left leg and one more above each elbow. These are however not too distracting. Face good with a hint of blush on each cheek. Base with one or two tiny nicks. Overall two good examples in better than average condition. Please note that this lot contains ivory which may be subject to export and import restrictions. For example, ivory cannot be imported into the United States. Your attention is drawn to the Endangered Species section in the Guide for Prospective Buyers at the back of the catalogue (Section 4).
"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."