A MEISSEN MUG FROM THE SWAN SERVICE, CIRCA 1740 |

modelled by Johann Friedrich Eberlein, in low relief with two swimming swans among bulrushes, the applied branch handle with flower terminals flanked by a crane in flight and another eating a fish upon a spiral shell molded ground, the rim painted with the Brühl and Kolowrat-Krakowska arms and scattered flower sprigs, with a gilt border to the rim, traces of crossed swords mark in blue

Sotheby's, London, November 28, 1961, lot 145
The Property of David Sachs, Esq., Sotheby's, London, March 10, 1970, lot 44

In overall good appearance and condition. Very minor tiny chips to the flower terminals of the branch handles. A very minor patch of kiln speckling to lower rim located under the handle.
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.

In November 1740, Eberlein wrote in his work records: '1 Wermuthkrügel mit Schwanen Dessin für Exc. Brühl nebst einem Henkel von Corallen' [Vermouth mug with swan design for his excellency Brühl with a handle of coral]. A month later the model was worked on by Kändler: '1 Wermuths Krügel mit dem Schwanen-Deßein corrigiret, weiln es sehr stumpf geworden' [Vermouth mug with swan design reworked, because it had become very dull], referenced in Ulrich Pietsch (ed.), Schwanenservice - Meissener Porzellan für Heinrich Graf von Brühl, Leipzig, 2000, p. 174.

A further mug of this type was sold at Sotheby's, London, October 18, 1988, lot 388.

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