A Meissen armorial plate from the Ferrero service, circa 1740

of shaped circular form, painted with the coat of arms among scattered flowers and insects, underglazed blue crossed swords mark

minor wear to gilt rim
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Carlo Francesco Vincenzo Ferrero, Marchese d’Ormea (1680-1745) was a Italian politician from Piedmont. He held various ministerial posts, successively Prefect, General of Finance, Secretary of State and was appointed Grand Chancellor in 1742 by Carlo Emmanuele III.  The origins of the commission of the Ferrero service remain unknown, but it could be considered as a gift from Augustus III the Strong when the Duke was ambassador in Dresden in 1740, especially as the King of Saxony had already offered in 1725 a gift comprising 300 individual items of Meissen porcelain, including armorial services. (M. Cassidy-Gringer, Fragile Diplomacy : Meissen Porcelain for European Courts, 2007, pp. 209-212). There are only a few pieces of the Ferrero service recorded, all of them are plates and dishes. Recently, one plate sold at Sotheby’s London, lot 321, 28 May 2009, and another one, from the Hoffmeister Collection, Bonham’s London, 25 November 2009, lot 94.