Hispano-Flemish, circa 1600

chain suspension and later pendant pearl below 

Y. Hackenbroch, Renaissance Jewellery (London, 1979) fig. 665, attributed to Spanish Netherlands

Overall condition good. Minor loss to enamel in particular to the neck and lower back of bird. Traces of old adhesive to underside of tail and front of breast. One pendant pearl possibly a later replacement . Wear to enamel on suspension attachment
"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."

In the second half of the sixteenth century fantastical pendants used in conjunction with misshapen baroque pearls emerged as a new fashion. Compare the present bird with an ostrich in the Museo degli Argenti, Florence illustrated by Mosca where it is described as Flemish manufacture and late sixteenth century in date.

RELATED LITERATURE
M. Mosca & O. Casazza, The Museo degli Argenti, Collections and Collectors (Florence, 2004, 2007 reprint) pp. 185-9