An English delftware blue-dash Royal Coronation portrait charger, probably London or Bristol, circa 1689-94

painted with full length portraits of King William III and Queen Mary II, the King dressed in an ermine- lined robe, wearing a crown and holding an orb and sceptre, the Queen wearing a crown and holding a fan, standing on a paved floor flanked by drapery and the initials WMR, the reverse with a lead glaze, some restoration to rim

There are two areas of over-painting to the top edge of the rim of the charger which have now discoloured. One area located at 2 o'clock on the clock face. The second area is located at 10 o'clock and extends into the top of the drapery. It is difficult to determine the true extent of the damage underneath the over-painting. However to the underside of the charger at these areas there is no evidence of overpainting. When viewed under a UV light there are two patches of over-painting to the center of the dish, one located between the two figures and the other to the side of Queen Mary.
"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."

A similar charger from the Gautier and Lomax collections was sold Sotheby's London, 19th February, 1991, lot 149. Another is illustrated by J.C Austin, British Delft at Willamsburg (1994), p.135, pl.173.
In January 1689 William and Mary were proclaimed King and Queen of England as joint sovereigns. Mary was the eldest daughter of James II and William of Orange was the great nephew of Charles I. Mary died in 1694 with William continuing as King until his death in 1702. As joint rulers they are often depicted standing side by side, more commonly in a landscape. Due to his diminutive size ( five foot six and one-half inches as compared to his wife at five foot eleven), William is often portrayed standing slightly set back from Mary so that their crowns appear on a level.