A pair of gilt-bronze mounted Meissen porcelain pot-pourris, the porcelain circa 1760, the mounts 19th century

formed from Meissen tureens and covers, of quatrefoil moulded form affixed with two porcelain handles formed of gilt-edged scrolls entwined with blue ribbons, delightfully painted with vignettes of birds in gardens under trellis arbours, alternating with birds in flight, crossed swords mark in underglaze-blue, one with numeral 16. in purple enamel, the other with 6., with pierced gilt-bronze rims, resting on four scrolled feet, the covers surmounted with gilt-bronze fruit finials,

One cover, has been completely sprayed, whilst the other has only a small area around the bronze finial. One pot-pourri has spray to the interior, and an area on the outside edge under one handle. Both have some minor areas of residue at scattered areas around the mounts. Both lack their original porcelain feet. The bronze mounts overall with light tarnishing and some oxidisation in places. one base mount with a secure crack. The upper mount on the other pot-pourri has a crack.
"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 pattern is comparable to the Fink von Finkenstein service commissioned for the Count Karl Wilhelm Fink von Finkenstein (1714-1800), and probably gifted by Frederick the Great in 1757. Karl Wilhelm was the Prussian Ambassador to the Courts at Stockholm, Copenhagen and St. Petersburg and later became the Prussian Minister of State and Envoy. At least half the service was sold at Sotheby's London, 22nd February 1988, lot 32 and pieces subsequently entered well known collections such as the Hoffmeisters, published in the collection catalogue, Hamburg, 1999, Vol. I, no. 219. For a tureen from this service in the Museum für Kunst und Gewerbe, Hamburg, see Karl Berling, Meissner Porzellan, Leipzig, 1900, p. 113, fig. 165.