Two Russian Porcelain Dinner Plates from Service for the Imperial Order of St. Alexander Nevsky, after 1856

both plates of circular form with scalloped borders, the first by the Imperial Porcelain Manufactory, the period of Alexander II (1855-1881), each with gilt border and draped red sash and badge of the order, the centers with the silver-grey star of the order with the Cyrillic motto Za trud i otechestvo (For Labor and Fatherland).

Christie's London, April 21, 1988, lot 148, illustrated

overall 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.

In 1856, shortly after ascending to the throne, Emperor Alexander II ordered additions to be made to the four Order Services originally ordered by Catherine II from the Gardner Manufactory in the late eighteenth century. The ribbons, stars, and badges of each order that appear on the replacement plates were made by printing the basic forms and filling in the areas of more intense color by hand. On the additions, see A. Odom, Russian Imperial Porcelain at Hillwood, Washington, DC, 1999, pp. 78-80.