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.

The preacher -- Slight chipping to tip of beard. Mouth piece articulation stiff and not functioning. Eyes stuck in place. Chipping to collar at grooves for neck pin. Tiny retouched patches to his toes.

The wife -- with a firing crack to edge of base at underside, which extends and spreads across base and up onto the upper side in four places, two of which extend up the back of the chair, about 13 cm. long. A few further short hairline cracks to upper side of base. Slight chipping to collar at grooves for neck pin.

Both with slight wear to gilding and enamels, occasional tiny firing flaw, chip or surface abrasion throughout.

An XRF (X-Ray Fluorescence) test was carried out by The Centre for Archaeological and Forensic Analysis at Cranfield University, confirming that the enamels on this object are consistent with the published data for enamels on other Meissen porcelain dating from the 19th Century.