A GROUP OF ENGLISH AND CONTINENTAL PORCELAIN SNUFF BOXES AND SCENT BOTTLES, 18TH CENTURY AND LATER

comprising: a Mennecy silver-mounted snuff box in the form of a resting owl, circa 1755; a German porcelain shoe-form snuff box, circa 1770; a Continental gold-mounted squirrel-form scent bottle, late 18th century; and a Chamberlain's Worcester scent bottle reserved on one side with a view of Worcester, titled, and on the other with a mythological scene above the title, Origin of Design, with its original case, circa 1780. Together with two English porcelain whistles in the form of hound's heads, 19th century. 9 pieces.

Please note that the scent bottles and the snuff boxes have not been examined beneath the mounts. The resting owl snuff box: there is some very minor flaking to the brown enamels. Otherwise in good condition. Shoe-form box: There appears to be three small flat chips to the edge of the cover, which are partially obscured beneath the mounts. The cover is completely oversprayed and re-painted, possibly covering a break. The enamels on the buckle have been mostly flaked off. Squirrel-form scent bottle: in good condition. Camberlain's Worcester scent bottle: There is some minor speckling to the neck area of the bottles and some very minor wear to the gilding. Otherwise in good condition. Whistles: Both with some flaking to the brown or black enamels. The black dog's ears, each has a small chip to the tip.
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.

A snuff box similar to the first example, from the Elizabeth Parke Firestone Collection was sold at Christie's New York, March 22, 1991, lot 424. A Chamberlain's Worcester scent bottle similar to the fourth example is illustrated by Geoffrey A. Godden in Chamberlain-Worcester Porcelain, 1788-1852, p. 283, figs. 366 and 367.