A Meissen figure of a pied wagtail the porcelain circa 1740-50, the decoration later

modelled by Johann Gottlieb Kirchner and Johann Gottlieb Ehder, unusually decorated with blue and green plumage, perched on a high tree stump molded with moss and applied with leaves, crossed swords mark in underglaze-blue to the back of base.

S. Berges, New York, 1945
The Lesley and Emma Sheafer Collection, Bequest of Emma A. Sheafer, 1973

Sotheby's Scientific Research department used noninvasive XRF for this lot to screen the green enamel for chromium, which was detected. Its beak is restored with made-up piece. There is a misfired area on its breast giving the appearance of flaking that has been retouched. There is very minor and occasional flaking to the green enamel. There are occasional minor chips or restored chips to the edges of the applied leaves. There are restored breaks to three of its right talons and a small chip to the ti of its two right nails each.
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.

For a larger version of this model, Kirchner's workbook for February 1733 records 'In der Monath Februar 1733 sind von mir Modelle verfertiget...Eine Bachstelze auf einem Baum sitzend, Lebensgröße...Gottlieb Kirchner' [In the month of February 1733 I completed the following models...a life-sized wagtail seated on a tree...Gottlieb Kirchner]. 
Carl Albiker notes in Die Meissner Porzellantiere, p. 120 (cat. no. 33), that work records for May, 1740 show Ehder working on a smaller version. It is possible that the present example could be one of these smaller models.

Sotheby's Scientific Research department used noninvasive XRF for this lot to screen the green enamel for chromium, which was detected.