An important Coalport dessert centre dish, from the Nicholas I Service, circa 1845
made by command of Queen Victoria for presentation to Czar Nicolas I of Russia, painted in enamel colours and decorated with gilding, painted with the badge of the Russian Order of St. Andrew with panels to the rim with Orders of St. George, St. Alexander of Nevsky, St. Vladimir, St. Stanislaus and St. Anne, printed retailer's mark for A B and R P Daniell, 129 New Bond Street and 18 Wigmore Street, London, 40cm wide (restored)

Provenance: Ivor Southorn Collection.

Notes: This dessert dish originates from a service commissioned by Queen Victoria for Tsar Nicholas I during his official visit to England in 1844. This set, referred to as the 'Coalport Service' in Russia, consisted of 62 plates and was presented to St. Petersburg the following year. The design of the plates closely imitates the William IV service crafted by Flight, Barr, and Barr, which was initially designed to commemorate the Coronation of King William IV in 1831. However, the British emblems on the original design were substituted with Russian Orders to suit the occasion.

The Tsar was so captivated by the elegance of the service that he decided to order an additional 124 matching plates from the Imperial Porcelain Factory. These plates were intended for use during official state banquets. Subsequently, in 1849, a coordinating dinner service was commissioned from Coalport. In 1934, a selection of plates from the original service was sold by the Narkomat for Foreign Trade. Nonetheless, a substantial number of the surviving pieces can be found in the State Hermitage Museum.

Condition Report

Both handle areas restored with obvious re-gilding and over-painting. Two cracks to foot.

Bidding indicates acceptance of the condition of the lot.  All lots are sold subject to general wear and tear commensurate with age and handling over time and only obvious faults will be mentioned after a visual inspection. If you have particular specialist questions on any lot, please state these before bidding since we cannot and will not provide a forensic examination of any lot but only a general condition report as a guide only. All condition reports given by Halls Holdings Ltd's representatives or agents are statements of opinion and not fact. If you require any further information about any lots in this auction or about bidding please do not hesitate to contact us again.