$600
F. L. Smith (American, 19th/20th century), late 19th century. A set of 12 luncheon or dessert plates and a matching sandwich tray, each with a green rim with a Rococo motif scrolled and floral swagged gilt edge, each centered with a hand painted and transferware portrait depicting women important to French history from the reign of Louis XVI to the fall of Napoleon, including Madame de Montesson (1737-1806), Madame Junot (1784-1838), Madame Regnault De St. Jean D'Angely, Madame de Pompadour (1721-1764), Hortense (1783-1837), Marie Antoinette (1755-1793), Joséphine (1763-1814), Madame Vigée Le Brun (1775-1842), Madame Du Barry, Madame Récamier (1777-1849), Charlotte Corday (1768-1793), Luise of Prussia (1776-1810), and the Psse. de Lamballe. Plates marked T&V France, sandwich tray with Vienna Porcelain Manufactory mark, and painted inscription 'Mrs.J.L. Roper/1903", all signed F.L. Smith to the front with subject's name painted on reverse, one dated '98. Approximate height (of sandwich tray) 1", diameter 10.5". Provenance: Property from the Estate of Mr. John L. Roper II, Former Owner and CEO of NORSHIPCO (Norfolk Shipbuilding and Drydock Corporation), of Norfolk, Virginia. Mr. Roper collected a number of fine American antiques and art including a noteworthy early American coin collection that sold at auction in 2014. Note: Mrs. J.L. Roper presumably commissioned this set from F.L. Smith in 1903, as given in the inscription to the reverse of the sandwich tray.
Auctioneer:
Ahlers & Ogletree Auction Gallery
Date:
2017-01-15
