twelve porcelain plates from the Banquet Service, Imperial Porcelain Manufactory, period of Nicholas I (1825-1855)

comprising: six dinner plates and six soup plates, cavettos decorated with crowned Imperial cypher of Grand Duke Alexander Nikolaevich, blue borders with gilded floral designs, with blue Imperial cyphers for Nicholas I and four with inventory numbers  

Dinner plates: There is wear to gilding consistent with age and is most significant to the edges of the cavettos. One bears a hairline crack to the age measuring 3cm long and a minor chip to the gilt rim. Another has a slightly larger chip to the gilt rim, measuring 0.75 by 1.2cm. Another plate has a shallow chip to the under side of the rim measuring 1.4 by 1.2cm. Soup plates: Two plates with shallow chips to the underside of the rim, one consolidated with brown resin. The gilding is in overall better condition compared to the dinner plates.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."