A rare Nantgarw ice- pail from the Mackintosh service circa 1817-20

of cylindrical form, set with gilt rectangular handles with fluted terminals, painted on one side with a duck and a bird perched on a reed, the reverse painted with a red bird perched on a branch, beneath an elaborate gilt foliate and shell border reserved with two flower panels, raised on three gilt bun feet (restoration to one handle, minor wear to gilding)

Sold Sotheby's London, 25th October, 1966, lot 309. A copy of this catalogue is provided with the lot

One of the handles has been restored. Otherwise in good condition with some typical wear to gilding, particularly to handles and bun feet. Minor flaking to enamels.
"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 original Mackintosh dessert service, comprising of about forty pieces was originally in the hands of the Richards family. Edward Priest Richards of St.Nicholas was agent to the Marquis of Bute. His only child, Ella, married the Mackintosh in 1880, and the service was given as a wedding present. The bird subjects for the service were taken from the bird books of Francois Levaillant, issued in Paris between 1801 and 1806. The service is likely to have been painted at the London workshops of Thomas Martin Randall. Another ice-pail from the Makintosh service in the National Museum of Wales, is illustrated by W.D.John, Nantgarw Porcelain, pl.14B.