LONDON DELFTWARE BLUE AND WHITE SHIELD-SHAPED PILL SLAB CIRCA 1705-1740

Painted with the arms of the Apothecary's Guild of London above the motto 'OPIFERQUE:PER:ORBEM:DICOR.

Sotheby's, New York, The Ira and Nancy Koger Collection, October 1998, lot 1046.

There are typical minor glaze chips and abrasions to the rim and typical minor glaze crazing overall. There is an additional 1/4-inch chip to the left side of the tile, showing approximately about 1/8 inches at the rim edge. Otherwise in good condition.
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.

Although the name suggests the utilitarian use of these tiles to roll pills, they were probably intended for display in shops as supported by the lack of wear on the glazes. A very similar pill slab is illustrated in Michael Archer, Delftware in the Fitzwilliam Museum, p. 324, cat. no. J. 23. A similar pill slab of this form painted with the same arms and motto but with a paraph is illustrated in Frank Britton, London Delftware, p. 145, fig. 126. Another example from the John Philip Kassebaum Collection was sold at Sotheby's London, October 7, 1992, lot 44