Estimate

2.400 - 3.000

Session 1

15 October 2025

Hammer Price

Description

Comprising six dinner plates and two soup plates
Chinese export porcelain
Decorated in Famille Rose enamels, underglaze blue and gilt, the centres bearing the arms of the Preston family of Valleyfield House, Scotland, with the motto "Praesto Ut Praestem"
Octagonal borders decorated with 'Fitzhugh' pattern borders
Qianlong period, c. 1780
(minor defects and signs of wear)

Diam.: 23 cm

Additional Information

Pieces with this decoration belong to one of four services commissioned by Sir Robert Preston (1740–1834), of the Preston family of Valleyfield House, Scotland. Preston began his career with the English East India Company as a naval officer and, after several voyages to India, achieved the rank of captain in 1767. He accumulated sufficient wealth to invest in his own ships, eventually managing a fleet of approximately 30 vessels in service to the Company, becoming a prominent figure in maritime trade of the late 18th century. In 1800 he inherited the title of 6th Baronet of Valleyfield.

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