MASSIVE STAFFORDSHIRE SALT-GLAZED STONEWARE LARGE BEAR CISTERN AND TWO WOODEN COVERS THE CISTERN MID 18TH CENTURY, THE COVERS LATER

Sotheby's, London, February 2, 1982, lot 117;
Sotheby's, London, February 21, 1989, lot 347;
Sotheby's, New York, The Collection of Bernard and Judith Newman, January 21, 2005, lot 190;
Jonathan Trace.

The heads are later wood and plaster replacements. They have some losses to the applied plasterwork and some cracks to the wood. Bear: has large chips and losses around half of the rim (hidden by the cover) and a small loose V-shaped section at this point. There are firing cracks where the bears join and cracks across three of the smaller bear's legs. There is a chipped area on the larger bear's right paw. The smaller bear's tail is chipped away.
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.