A very rare and fine Chelsea Leveret box and cover, circa 1755

naturalistically modelled crouching with its ears laid back and shaded with scattered areas of light brown, the cover with red anchor mark, both pieces with red numeral 271.

Sotheby’s London, 22^nd May 1984, lot 108

The piece is in good condition. There are some scattered minor areas of rubbing to the brown enamel only.
"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."

This form is inspired by an early model of the Meissen factory. The Chelsea sale catalogue of 1755, the second day’s sale, on 11th March includes lot 18 “...four rabbits for desart’’, which must refer to examples of this smaller size as on the twelfth day's sale 22nd March, includes lot 43 'A very fine tureen in the form of a RABBIT BIG AS LIFE, in a fine oval dish'. Another example of this rare form was sold at Sotheby's New York, 16th October 2008, lot 22. An example of the original Meissen model from the Dr Ernst Schneider collection is illustrated by Rainer Ruckert, Meissener Porzellan, 1966, no. 1177, pl. 288.