A pair of Chelsea plates of Mecklenburg-Strelitz type, c.1764, the moulded borders with flower

A pair of Chelsea plates of Mecklenburg-Strelitz type, c.1764, the moulded borders with flower garlands suspended between small panels of gilded insects on a mazarine blue ground, the wells painted with an exotic bird standing amidst leafy branches, gold anchor marks, fine hairline, 23cm. (2)

King George III and Queen Charlotte ordered the original service of this type in 1762 as a gift to Duke Adolphus Frederick IV of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, the Queen's brother. Chelsea made a second service in 1764 which is identical except in the shaping of the blue rim panels. On the original service these are convex, whereas the second service bears concave panels.