Four Ice Cups from the Catherine The Great Service, Berlin, circa 1770-1772

moulded with two bands of laurel leaves on a gilt scale-patterned ground, the gilt handles formed with berry and foliage terminals, on spreading circular feet, with blue underglaze sceptre marks

all with rubbing to gilding, two with small chips to underside of feet, one with a 2.5 cm crack near handle visible in the interior of the ice cup
"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."

The Berlin Dessert Service was an important diplomatic gift given to Catherine II by her Prussian rival, Frederick the Great.  The service's programmatic decoration glorified Russia's military victories in the Crimea and acknowledged the country's new prominence and power as well as that of the Empress herself, who had risen from her status as a minor German princess to become the most powerful woman in Europe.  She so loved the Berlin Dessert Service that she used its forms as the basis for the Order services commissioned from the Gardner Porcelain Manufactory shortly thereafter.  On the service, see W. Pachomova-Göres, "Geschenke Friedrichs des Grossen an den russischen Hof," in Von Sanssouci nach Europa, Potsdam, 1994, pp. 22-39.