A FINE CHELSEA PORCELAIN APPLE TUREEN AND COVER CIRCA 1755

naturalistically modelled as a russet-streaked and spotted yellow fruit with a short leafy stem at one end, the cover surmounted with a turquoise and puce caterpillar knop, the cover with red anchor mark, both cover and base with numeral 24 in iron-red.

Robert Williams, Eastbourne, East Sussex

There is some minor scattered short scratch-like marks to both cover and base, visible to some extent in the catalogue illustration. The base has a number of very minor short, fine factory-filled firing tears, as does the rim of the cover. One leaf has a very minor 4mm chip to its edge. Otherwise the apple is in good condition.
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.

Apple tureens or boxes are mentioned in the 1755 Chelsea Sale Catalogue, Fifteenth Day's sale, Wednesday, March 26th, lot 46c: "Four fine large apples and leaves for desart"; see the facsimile reporduction of this catalogue in the Appendix of Chelsea Porcelain at Williamsburg by John C. Austin. A similar apple tureen and cover, from the Collection of Mr. and Mrs. Saul P. Steinberg, was sold in these rooms, May 26, 2000, lot 18.