A carved alabaster fragmentary model of a cow, Netherlandish or German, second half 19th century

with a later mahogany and wrought-iron stand. There is an accompanying cardboard label printed: 'ENGLISH ALABASTER COW / THIS EARLY ENGLISH ALABASTER COW WAS PURCHASED FOR THE DUCHESS OF DEVONSHIRE A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO. BEFORE IT REACHED HER GRACE, HOWEVER, IT WAS DROPPED AND SERIOUSLY DAMAGED. THE LEGS WERE SMASHED AND THE CALF WAS BROKEN BEYOND REPAIR. THE REMAINING BODY WAS MOUNTED ON STEEL'.

A gift from Major William (Bill) Spowers (1925-1990) to Deborah, Duchess of Devonshire (1920-2014)

Illustrated in the West Sub Corridor on a console table, The Duchess of Devonshire, Chatsworth, The House, London, 2002, p. 100

This decorative piece is very much a fragment and lacks feet and is chipped and scratched all over. There is residual sticky plaster. The cardboard label is stained and discoloured. The label that accompanies this fragment perhaps amused the Duchess, possibly explaining why it managed to stay with the sculpture during the move from Chatsworth to Edendsor.
"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."

The label that accompanies this fragment perhaps amused the Duchess, possibly explaining why it managed to stay with the sculpture during the move from Chatsworth to Edensor.