A Coalport plate, probably a Specimen or trial for the...

A Coalport plate, probably a Specimen or trial for the 'Nelson Set Tea Service', circa 1802
With a six-lobed rim and an enamelled border of oak leaves shaded in green and brown with yellow acorns, the centre with the full arms and insignia of Nelson enamelled and gilt over a lightly-printed outline, 24cm diam
A tea service was itemised in the circa 1813 Trickey Inventory of Lady Hamilton's china and clearly it matched the 'Nelson Set dessert service'. This 'Nelson Set' tea service (or more-correctly a breakfast service) was made of Coalport porcelain. The inventory recorded various breakfast cups and saucers, a covered sucrier, a jug and two slop bowls or basins. The final entry on the list of this tea service is '4 Bread and butter Plates'. Two of these can probably be identified (see lot 59 in this sale), whereas the present lot is more problematic. It is Coalport porcelain, like the rest of the tea service, and the same coloured print of Nelson's arms fills the centre. The border differs from the other recorded plates, however. This plate has a lobed rim, and the acorns among the oak leaves are coloured in yellow rather than gold. Perhaps this was a Specimen or trial plate, made ahead of the main production of what was a very large order for London-decorated porcelain used at the Lord Mayor's banquet.