attributed to John Dale, modelled as a goddess seated in a black-edged chariot before a leafy tree, drawn by a pair of tigers, on a green mottled mound base.

The reins in both of her hands have been broken at several places and restored back; it is possible that the reins in both hands were originally connected and that there is a lacking piece. There are several minor occasional chips or restored chips to the edges of the leaves of the bocage. One branch of the bocage has been broken off and restored back. There is some minor and occasional abrasions/chipping to the edges of her crown. The rein in her left hand has been broken off along with the tips of her fingers; this area has been stabilized and filled in with some adhesive material. The left ear of the tiger in the back and the right ear of the tiger on the front have been restored. The left hind wheel of the chariot has a short haircrack. There are some very minor and occasional touch-ups to the edges of the wheels, possibly covering minor glaze flakes. There are some very minor and occasional glaze flakes overall, but more specifically to the green glaze on the mound base.
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.

The present example is distinguished from various other known Staffordshire chariot groups in its sculptural quality, larger size and rarity. Myrna Schkolne illustrates the only other known example in Staffordshire Figures 1780-1840, Volume 4, p. 193, fig. 196.3. She further discusses and attributes this model with confidence to John Dale in her online blog, //www.mystaffordshirefigures.com, specifically in the way the base, the bocage flowers and the tigers are modelled. 
Although the direct print source for this group is unknown, it is probably drawn from a contemporary source depicting one of the mythological goddesses, such as Aurora or Cybele, who have historically been similarly represented in chariots drawn by tigers or lions.