Lot 451
IMPORTANT CHINESE EXPORT ARMORIAL PART DINNER SERVICE FROM THE SERVICE OF WILLIAM ALEXANDER OF NEW YORK (1726-1783)
QING DYNASTY, CIRCA 1775
Auction: 02 December 2014 at 10:00 GMT
Description
bearing the coat-of-arms of Alexander quartering MacDonald, the motto "Per Mare Per Terras" surmounted by a semi-nude man holding a club on one side of the shield and a mermaid on the other, the shield beneath a beaver atop a crown, the outer band decorated with flowers joined by bamboo, the shaped gilt rim with green sawtooth border, comprising of: 4 side plates,, 10 soup plates, 13 dinner plates, and 2 later English sandwich plates (29)
Dimensions
dinner plates 23cm diam
Footnote
Note:
William Alexander was born in New York and served as a commander of the American Militia regiment throughout the War of Independence, and was soon promoted to the rank of Major-general. He was one of Washington’s most able and trusted military subordinates, held in such high regard that Washington gave him command of the entire Continental Army for nearly two months. Throughout his life he unsuccessfully claimed the disputed title of Earl of Stirling, and is known as Lord Stirling.
This service was acquired by the current owner's great great grandfather during the 19th Century, General Sir James Alexander (1803-1885).
The sale of such a large number of pieces from this service does not appear to be recorded. A single plate sold at Freeman's of Philadelphia on 13 November 2013, lot 156, and another one at Northeast Auctions on 28 March 2010, lot 846.