An assembled pair of Meissen figures of thrushes circa 1745-50

probably modelled by J. J. Kändler, with black-marked grey heads, the yellow breasts and brown plumage with black markings, on short stump bases overgrown with flowering foliage, one also with a beetle, a fly and a clump of fungi on the base, one with crossed swords mark in underglaze-blue (some restoration)

Bird with head turned left: Sotheby's Geneva, 10th May 1988, lot 32
Bird with head turned right: Christie's London, 4th July 1988, lot 65

beaks, flowers and leaves restored, one with restored tail, claws and wings
"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."

For the model see Albiker (1959), nos. 133 and 134, and Röbbig (2008), p. 248, where the author notes that no sources have yet been traced, but attributes the models to Kändler and dates the figure to around 1745 or 1746. Other examples of the thrushes are in the Ernst Schneider collection at Schloss Lustheim; also in the Wrightsman collection, Dauterman (1970), Vol. IV, no. 7 and the collection of Irwin Untermyer, Hackenbroch (1956), no. 7, both at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.