A pair of Derby square-shaped botanical dessert dishes circa 1795

finely painted in the center with a spray of 'Large flower'd Potentilla' or 'Cut-leav'd Violet' beneath the border of trailing roses painted possibly by William Billingsley, crossed batons and D marks in blue, pattern no. 142 in blue, script botanical titles and script numerals 6 in red .

The Lesley and Emma Sheafer Collection, Bequest of Emma A. Sheafer, 1973

Some very minor and occasional scratching to the enamels in the center and minor rubbing to gilding in places. Otherwise in 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.

A circular fluted plate with the same border is illustrated in John Twitchett, Derby Porcelain, p. 192, fig. 233, where the author states that most of the named plants are taken from Curtis's Botanical Journal, which arrived at the Derby factory in 1792. Another similar circular plate is illustrated in Franklin A. Barrett and Arthur L. Thorpe, Derby Porcelain 1750-1848, fig. 139, where the author on p. 60 mentions that the borders on the "can be confidently attributed to Billingsley but the center is painted in a completely different style."