A rare pair of Minton pâte-sur-pâte pilgrim flasks 1873

each finely decorated by Henry Saunders, signed HS, in white slip with a either squirrel nibbling a nut or a crouching mouse; the reverse with flowering branches, impressed MINTON and date cypher for 1873, shape number 1664.

Christine Dodge Cromwell Collection, bearing paper label

Please note that only one vase is signed HS. Both vases, each with a starcrack to the base, possibly caused by overtightening of the screws and some very minor and occasional rubbing to the gilding in places. 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.

Henry Saunders, also referred as Harry Sanders, was an apprentice of Marc Louis Solon at the Minton factory, from 1871 until 1877, when his employment was terminated upon the discovery that he was forging some of the 'old English' slipware Solon had bought for himself. Saunders started then to work for Moore Brothers as a pâte-sur-pâte artist and remained there until about 1893, around when he visited Chicago, for the Moore Brothers exhibit at the International Exhibition, which is believed to have contributed to his decision to emigrate to the USA. He also decorated some pieces at the Etruria Pottery in Trenton, New Jersey. 
A design for a pilgrim flask painted with a squirrel nibbling a nut, identified as pattern S 178, is illustrated in Joan Jones, Minton, p. 224, bottom illustration.