A Royal presentation set of eighteen Royal Copenhagen claret-ground plates, circa 1858

Property of a Gentleman
A Royal presentation set of eighteen Royal Copenhagen claret-ground plates, circa 1858

each painted to simulate marble relief with classical subjects after Thorvaldsen within bands of simulated pearls and gilt hexagonal rosettes, each titled in black script to the reverse, blue wave marks, each plate 20.8cm. diameter, and held in chamois-lined lift-out trays, held in a two-handled fitted oak presentation case with a brass canted rectangular plaque engraved with crowned AB cypher, 22cm. high, 71.5cm. wide, 49.5cm. deep

Condition Report:
Of the eighteen plates: eleven are in generally good condition with very minor stacking wear. Four are in good condition but with more notable wear to the well so the white porcelain is visible in areas. Two are of good appearance but have faint cracks possibly just to the glaze and one is broken into seven sections between 4 and 7 o'clock with an associated crack and a small loss and old glue repair in need of restoration. The case lost three pieces of veneers inside that hide the clips that hide the monogram plaque. The top with a minor age slip, consistent with age and use. Otherwise with minor old marks, small residual white paint spots and scratches.

Provenance:
Presented by King Frederick VII of Denmark to Sir Andrew Buchanan, 1st Bart. (1807-1882), Envoy Extraordinary to the King of Denmark, in 1858;
Thence by descent to the present owner.

Two cased sets were presented to the Sir Andrew, inherited by different branches of the same family, the present lot, and one other which was offered Bonhams, London, Fine European Ceramics, 4 December 2019, lot 121 (sold £12,562 including premium).