A SÈVRES (HARD PASTE) WHITE BISCUIT PORTRAIT MEDALLION OF BENJAMIN FRANKLIN 1778

molded in relief with a profile portrait of the statesman within a gilt-edged glazed integral frame pierced for suspension, mounted in a green velvet-covered wood frame, crowned interlaced L's and date letters AA for 1778 in iron-red.

Rosenberg & Stiebel, New York, 1990

Good condition.
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.

Benjamin Franklin was sent to Paris by the Continental Congress in 1776 as a member of a commission seeking to secure military and diplomatic relations with France. Having played an important part in the negotiation of the Treaty of Paris between the United States and Great Britain in 1783, he remained in France until his return to America in 1785.  Throughout his stay Franklin enjoyed immense popularity with the French and was the subject of innumerable souveniers of all types, such as the present example produced at Sèvres to commemorate the statesman's visit to France.