A MEISSEN COFFEE POT AND COVER FROM THE SWAN SERVICE, CIRCA 1739-41 |

modelled by Johann Friedrich Eberlein, the baluster form body molded in low relief with swans amidst waves and rushes against a ground of spirally radiating shell work, the lower body painted with scattered flower sprigs, and raised on a gilt ring foot with four scrollfeet; the cover painted with the Brühl and Kolowrat-Krakowska arms, beneath an affixed snail, the loop handle in the form of a grotesque dolphin, crossed swords mark in underglaze-blue

The Antique Company of New York, Inc., January 1969

The cover. The head of the snail has been restored, and there is a bruise chip and associated short hairline crack to its shell. There are two hairline cracks to the rim which extend vertically, measuring approximately 5.5 and 3.5cm. There has been some associated re-gilding to the rim edge at this area and some spray to the surface which is now starting to flake. There is a flat chip to rim and another restored chip. The underside edge of the rim has been sprayed. The base section. The handle restored and discoloured, probably made up. Restored area to tip of spout. Two hairline cracks at rim with associated over-painting to surface, a rim chip and a restored rim chip. The restoration is of an old nature and could be refreshed.
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.

Eberlein's work record for this form was entered in January 1739: '1 große Kaffeekanne, wie eine Muschel, die Schwäne und die Reiher darauf bossiert, mit einem Henkel von einem Fische, Schnautze, und Knöpfgen von Schnecken.' [1 large coffeepot like a shell on which swans and cranes are modelled, with a handle made of fish, spout and finial made of snails.], referenced in Ulrich Pietsch (ed.), Schwanenservice - Meissener Porzellan für Heinrich Graf von Brühl, Leipzig, 2000, p. 170, cat. no. 46.

Sotheby’s Scientific Research department used noninvasive XRF for this lot to screen the green enamel for chromium, which was not detected.