PLATE FROM THE SERVICE FOR THE ORDER OF ST. GEORG ON BEHALF OF CZARINA CATHARINA II. OF RUSSIA Moscow (Verbilki), porcelain manufactory Francis Gardner (1766-1890), c. 1778-80. Deep, curved form. Painted with the insignia of the Order, the breast star with the initials "SG" for St George and the motto of the Order "ЗА СЛУЖБУ И ХРАБРОСТЬ", for service and valour. On the flag the ribbon of St George with three black and two orange stripes, with the cross of the Order, on it the coat of arms of Moscow with St George and interwoven with a laurel tendril. Framed in gold. Underglaze blue manufactory mark G, incised mark o. Ø 23 cm. Foot rim chipped, gilding on rim slightly rubbed. Provenance: Auction Gros & Delettrez, Paris, Ancienne Collection Paul-Louis Weiller, 5-8 April 2011, lot 84 (part). These objects marked with * (asterisk) are fully subject to VAT, i.e. VAT will be charged on the hammer price plus buyer's premium. Buyers who present a legally stamped export declaration will be reimbursed the VAT.