A Meissen figure of a dove circa 1740

with head turned to the left, with bands of black, brown and grey plumage and iron-red beak, legs and feet, on a mound base applied with leaves, crossed swords mark in underglaze-blue, twice impressed 45, (minor restoration)

Christie's London, 24th February 1997, lot 284

Restoration to tip of beak, middle claw of right foot, and to two of the applied leaves. Minor wear 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."

For the pair, see Albiker (1959), pl. 24, no. 77; another pair was in the C. H. Fischer collection, see the Catalogue, pl. V, nos. 219 and 220.

A pair of these doves was sold at Christie's Geneva, 13th November 1989, lot 85. Of single doves from this pair sold at auction, almost all are examples of the pendent to this figure; see Sotheby's Monaco, 27th June 1984, lots 3580 to 3583, and Christie's, 25th November 1991, lot 308.  The only other example of this left-turning model in recent years was at Sotheby's London, 5th May 1970, lot 97.