A Flight Worcester plate from the first Duke of Clarence service, circa 1789

A Flight Worcester plate from the first Duke of Clarence service, circa 1789The scalloped edge painted with an elaborate border of entwined bands in blue and green ribbon enclosing Orders of the Garter, St Andrew and the Thistle, together with sprigs of roses and thistles, the central royal arms of the Duke of Clarence hung with the Order of St Andrew flanked by laurel and oak leaves, 24.3cm diam, marked 'Flight' with a crown and crescent in underglaze blueFootnotes:ProvenanceAlexandre Imbert Collection, RomeThis was the first Royal armorial service made at Worcester. George III had visited Flights the previous year and possibly the King encouraged his son, Prince William Henry, to order a set to commemorate his having been awarded the Order of the Thistle along with the title 'Duke of Clarence and St Andrews'. In 1789 the Duke also retired from active service as a Rear Admiral and this perhaps inspired the choice of a central victory wreath featuring oak leaves, a reference to the British Navy. Another plate from the service was sold by Bonhams on 23 June 2021, lot 243. See also an example from the Ewers-Tyne Collection of Worcester porcelain at Cheekwood, illustrated and discussed in John Sandon's catalogue (2008), p.98, no.60. This service predates the 'Hope' service, also ordered by William, Duke of Clarence.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com