The condition of lots can vary widely and the nature of the lots sold means that they are unlikely to be in a perfect condition. Lots are sold in the condition they are in at the time of sale.
Overall this coffee-pot presents well. The glaze is highly reflective and fresh-looking, giving the object a gleaming and pleasing appearance. It leans slightly, but this is also part of its charm. The principal condition issue is the wear to the gilt decoration (which is to be expected), in particular to one side of the pot where the central part of the flowers is quite worn. There are other more minor condition issues, which are noted in more detail below:
Pot:
There is a shallow small chip to the underside of the spout adjacent to the tip. This is not particularly noticeable and it is minor. There is a fine hairline crack to both sides of the lower terminal of the handle – and one side has a minute associated loss to the glaze. The upper part of the handle / upper terminal are not affected, so the handle has not been broken – but it may perhaps have been hit and weakened slightly. Although this is still a relatively minor issue, ideally it would be best for a conservator to inspect the piece and possibly inject a stabilising reversible glue into the lower terminal crack to secure it. This is not essential, and a conservator may decide no action is necessary.
Cover:
The chip the corner of the rim is noticeable, but has darkened with age, making it less noticeable. The minute chip is to the other corner of the rim is to the opposite corner, and this is very minor. In addition, on the interior of the cover there is some chipping to the interior flange (which is minor).
Print Report