Antique English Derby Porcelain Armorial Soup Plate, Signed, ca. 1806-1815

Antique English Derby Porcelain Blue & White Soup Plate with Gilt Armorial Design, Circa 1806-15. This very fine signed Derby porcelain soup plate or dish is decorated with an underglaze deep blue band on the rim enhanced with overglaze gold borders and a delicate gold meandering floral vine. The well of the dish is decorated with a well-drawn gold armorial design with a complex shield surmounted with the bust of a horned buck / ram and a crown. The Latin motto, AEQUO ANIMO, translates to: "with a calm or even mind" and generally refers to situations of great importance, such as in battle or negotiations, etc.

He inherited six plantations in Jamaica and was awarded large holdings in Ireland and in Wales, where Castle Penrhyn is located today. This porcelain dish is signed with the typical red hand-drawn crown over crossed batons with dots and a D for William Duesbury (1725-86), who was the most prominent founder of the Derby porcelain factory in 1756.

The Duesbury mark was likely used until about 1825 but this carefully drawn red mark probably preceded the change of ownership to Robert Bloor around 1811-15. The nicely rendered armorial design and the lovely border on this signed piece make it worthy of a collection despite a small hairline crack on the rim (see photos). No chips, stains or repairs. There is a small hairline on the rim to the upper right of the armorial design.

Otherwise, there is only very slight wear overall.