This plate is part of a larger service that was probably ordered by William Alexander of New York, former President of Columbia University and Brigadier General in Washington's army in the 1770s. Alexander claimed descent from Henry, 5th (and last) Earl of Stirling who died in 1739 and assumed these arms although the House of Lords would never truly recognized the claim. David S. Howard notes in Chinese Armorial Porcelain, that Alexander ordered the service in 1770 but by the time it arrived in London in 1775 the service was impounded and he probably never saw his commission (op cit., vol. II, p.264, pl.N6).
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In very nice condition, the enamels crisp. Some light fritting.
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