A CHINESE EXPORT ARMORIAL PART DINNER SERVICE CIRCA 1795

each piece painted with the arms of Leigh within blue enamel wavy line, gilt-dotted and gilt-starred borders, comprising: an oval soup tureen and cover, a pair of oval vegetable tureens and covers, a shaped oval serving dish and cover, a rectangular serving dish and cover, two chamfered rectangular meat dishes and covers, an oval small platter, a reticulated oval small platter, two hot water dishes, two dinner plates and a helmet-shaped jug. Minor damage and restoration. 21 pieces.

The service is in generally good condition overall, apart from some wear to the gilt edges, handles and knops and the following: One 'handle' of one hot water dish has a minor tiny frit/chip and both have some wear to the inner wavy border. The small oval platter has some wear to the enamels of the central arms. Approximately 1/3 of the rim of the reticulated platter has been broken and restored and is covered by old spray. Each of the dinner plates has a large starcrack across the entire center. The top horizontal portion of the handle and the rim to which it is joined are restored, the spray probably covering chips and/or haircracks, as the handle does not appear to have been broken off the jug.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

A salt from this service is illustrated by David S. Howard, Chinese Armorial Porcelain, Vol. I, p. 766, no. W11, where the author also discusses the coat-of-arms and the service's possible commission by Captain William Leigh.