A CHINESE EXPORT SMALL SAUCER DISH WITH THE STATE SEAL OF NEW HAMPSHIRE CIRCA 1800-1810

enamelled with a gilt-starred blue-bordered cartouche enclosing a dismasted ship and rising sun beneath the gilt initials JAC within a scalloped ribbon border at the rim. Together with a pair of Chinese Export American market saucers and a small plate decorated with a similar cartouche enclosing the gilt initials PC. 4 pieces.

Gordon, 1977, p. 142, pl. 130 (the saucer dish)

The New Hampshire saucer has been broken unevenly into two pieces, with two further haircracks extending from the original break at right angles. There is a very small filled area along the line of one of the breaks directly below the cartouche. There is wear to the gilding on the rim and on the cartouche, and two small patches of flaked enamel on the border. There is a further one inch haircrack to the rim edge. The two saucers are in good condition with just minor wear to the enamels and gilding. The small plate has two small restored rim chips at approximately 3 o'clock.
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.

The saucer with the New Hampshire seal is from a 53-piece service made for John A. Colby of Concord, New Hampshire. The majority of the service is now at the Winterthur Museum, Delaware, together with an advertisment for Yam Shinqua, the chinaware merchant at Canton from whom it was ordered. The advertisement, which bears the hand written inscription 'For Mr. John Colby  New Concord  53 piece' is illustrated by Mudge, 1981, p. 58, fig. 7, together with a saucer from the service, and on pp. 56-57, is transcribed an advert placed by Yam Shinqua in the Providence Gazette, on May 12, 1804.