The source for this rare Chelsea model is taken from an engraving in George Edwards (1694-1773), A Natural History of Uncommon Birds, (first published in 1743), Plate 62. Edwards first drew this species of owl in 1745, having received two dried specimens from his friend Alexander Light, in America. For the engraving and the example of this model in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, which was part of Lady Charlotte Schreiber's bequest (accession no. 414.212-1885), see Paul Crane, 'Nature, Porcelain and Enlightenment: George Edwards and the Chelsea porcelain birds', English Ceramic Circle Transactions, Vol. 28, 2017, p. 49, figs. 44 and 45. See also Dr. H. Bellamy Gardner, 'The Chelsea Birds', English Ceramic Circle Transactions, Vol. 3, 1931, p. 59 and also Reginald Blunt (Ed.), The Cheyne Book of Chelsea China and Pottery, London, 1973, p. 73 & pl. 13, no. 297 (for an example in the Palmer collection). Another sold Sotheby's, London, 24 October 1966, lot 356.