modelled by J. G. Kirchner and J. G. Ehder, the black head with a white stripe, painted in tones of grey and black, perched on a tall tree stump applied with leaves, crossed swords mark in underglaze-blue to edge of base at rear,

Melitta Kunze-Köllensperger, Alexanders Tiere, Sammlung Axel Guttman, Part VII, pp. 86, 134, no. 98

The model is extensively lacquered making it difficult to ascertain the extent of the restoration.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Kirchner's workbook for February 1733 records 'In der Monath Februar 1733 sind von mir Modelle verfertiget...Eine Bachstelze auf einem Baum sitzend, Lebensgröße...Gottlieb Kirchner' [In the month of February 1733 I completed the following models...a life-sized wagtail seated on a tree...Gottlieb Kirchner]. Four wagtails were delivered to the Japanese Palace on 29th November 1733, followed by four more in 1734 and a final pair in 1735. By the time of the 1770 inventory, six remained in the collection; two were sold at the Johanneum sale in 1919. No wagtails now remain in the Dresden State Art Collections. Albiker, 1935, no. 33, notes that the work records for 1740 show Ehder working on a model of the wagtail, and it seems likely that this smaller version was the model being prepared.