An early Longton Hall small teapot and cover, circa 1753-54

of globular form, painted in a famille-rose palette with a flower issuing from a pierced rock beneath a diaper panel and half-flowerhead border at the rim, affixed with a wishbone handle and bird's head spout, some repair and chips.

The Bernard M. Watney Collection, Phillips, London, 10th May 2000, lot 498

Bernard Watney, 'Early Longton Hall', E.C.C. Transactions, vol. 15, pt. 3, col. pl. XVb and p. 358, figs. 3 and 5

There is a chip to the spout of the teapot. The handle has been broken into three parts and re-stuck. There are two chips to the cover and a section of the vine of the cover is missing.
"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."

Longton Hall teapots of this early date and small size are scarce and very few are recorded. An unusual example of the same size decorated in Kakiemon style with ho-ho birds and flowering chrysanthemums was sold at Christie's, London, 2nd November 1998, lot 78.