An English delftware blue-dash Royal portrait charger, London or Bristol, circa 1689-1705

painted with a portrait of King William III seated on a rearing horse,wearing an ermine- lined cloak and with crown and sceptre, flanked by blue sponged trees and the initials KW, the reverse with a lead glaze, some restoration.

There are two curving cracks to the charger. One located at 9 o'clock extending through the base of the horse's body curving around the bottom of the charger's foot and measures approximately 29cm long. Below this crack there is a separate area of overpainting to the rim. The other crack, located at 11 o'clock extending through the top of the horse's mane and around the top of the chargers foot and measures approximately 23cm long. Along the cracks there has been some over-painting which has now discoloured.
"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."

A similar charger is illustrated by M.Archer, Delftware in the Fitzwilliam Museum ( 2013), p.11, no.A.12 and by the same author, The Dating of Delfware Chargers, E.C.C. Transactions, 2.2 (1982), pl.50b