ENGLISH PRATTWARE 'DUKE OF YORK AND ROYAL SUFFERERS' SPIRIT FLASK CIRCA 1794

Molded on one side with a portrait medallion of the Duke of York and on the other with a portrait of the French Royal Family depicting the profile portraits of Louis XVI, Marie-Antoinette and the Dauphin.

The Zeitlin Collection, Merion, Pennsylvania;
Sotheby's, New York, Collection of M. Austin and Jill R. Fine, January 30, 1987, lot 722.

The flask is lacking its stopper. In generally good condition apart from some minor and occasional scratches to the enamels and some very occasional and small firing-related marks in the appearance of abrasions to the glaze.
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 similar flask is illustrated in John and Griselda Lewis, Prattware, English and Scottish relief decorated and underglaze colored earthenware, 1780-1840, p. 130, where the authors suggest that the source for the portrait of the Duke of York is a contemporary engraving by I. Pass, about whom very little is known. A copy of the engraving is in the National Portrait Gallery in London. The authors also suggest that the possible design source for the ill-fated French royal family's portrait is a medal designed by Benjamin Duvivier issued by the State Legislature of Burgundy and struck in 1781 to commemorate the birth of the Dauphin.