Presented is a lovely set of 6 antique Samson armorial luncheon plates, dating to the late 1800s or early 1900s. The plates are fabulously hand painted with polychrome enamel decoration in the form of colorful sprays of flowers, with an intricate armorial crest in the center. The floral sprays are in raised white enamel borders, for a nice textural element, and the rims of the plates have a charming fleur de lis border in rich gold. The armorial crests are all different, except for the one with the gorget between three crowns which is on two of the plates, but all are quite detailed and nicely done.
This set of plates is in excellent condition. The gilding and painted decoration are both in great shape, with only the most minor of losses. No chips, no cracks, no breaks, and no repairs.
The plates are marked with typical Samson pseudo-Chinese style markings in red.
Each plate measures about 9 3/8 inches in diameter. -jm
