A Pair of Russian Plates from the Service for the Imperial Order of St. George, Gardner Porcelain Manufactory, Verbilki, 1777-1778

of circular form with scalloped gilt rim, on the border the orange and black striped sash of the order is interwoven with branches of laurel and hung with the order's cross, the center painted with the order's star, on which is written in Cyrillic the motto: For Service and Bravery (Za sluzhbu i khrabrost).

The Winter Palace, London

with some rubbing and wear to gilding, one with a small loss to the foot
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.

The Service for the Knights of the Order of St. George was completed first and included eighty covers. Its earliest use was at the celebration of the Order's feast day on November 26, 1778 and it continued to be used yearly thereafter. Catherine II had founded this order recognizing military feats in 1769 and the first recipients included many outstanding military leaders who had distinguished themselves in the Russo-Turkish Wars of 1768-1774 such as Field Marshall Petr Rumiantsev (1725-1796), Count Alexei Orlov (1737-1808), General Petr Panin (1721-1789), Prince Vasilii Dolgorukov (1722-1782), and Count Grigory Potemkin (1739-1791). Considering the role the elite military units had played in determining who sat on the Russian throne, Catherine was wise to honor her military commanders first.