A CHINESE EXPORT PLATE FOR THE AMERICAN MARKET, CIRCA 1810 |

the center painted with an eagle with its wings spread, perched on a cannon among military instruments and grasping a blue banner inscribed E PLURIBUS UNUM in its beak

Christie's New York, January 24, 1997, lot 220

There is a hairline crack to the rim at 11 o'clock measuring approx. 1 5/8 in. (4.1 cm), and two further very short hairlines at 6 and 9 o'clock. There are two adjacent sections of the rim restored at 1 o'clock, with the larger sectionmeasuring 1 1/8 in. (2.9 cm) across and the second smaller, triangular section measuring 1/4 in across (0.6 cm). There is an additional approx. 1/2in. section of the rim filled possibly to conceal rim chips. The underside rim with overpaint and spray extending from 3 to 9 o'clock.
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.

Two other examples from this service appear to be extant. The first, illustrated in David Sanctuary Howard, New York and the China Trade, New York, 1984, p. 106, cat. no. C72, is currently in the collection of The Diplomatic Reception Rooms, United States Department of State, and was formerly in the collection of military engineer and superintendent of West Point, Sylvanus Thayer (1785-1872). The second, illustrated in Elinor Gordon, Collecting Chinese Export Porcelain, New York, 1977, pl. XX, was in the collection of the Nicols family of Salem, Massachusetts.