19th Century English Armorial Porcelain Plate Bliss Family

Description

Please note that the price is for each plate. nn19th Century English armorial porcelain plate decorated in gold, red, and blue with the coat of arms of the Bliss family and the motto Virtus Sola Felicitas (virtue is the only happiness).nnThe rim is decorated with four circular cartouches, three decorated with armorial devices on gold, and one with the monogram “hb”. In between are foliate strapwork panels in red on gold. A band of gilt fleur-e-lys and blue and red enamel dots surrounds the plain centre of the plate.nnIt has been speculated that the “Hb” may refer to Henry Bliss. His son, also known as “Baron Bliss”, was much revered in Belize for leaving his fortune to the city. An Internet search will reveal further information.nnWe have a total of 12 plates from this service, 4 in this listing and 8 in another listing. The 8 have slightly less wear to the gilding of the band of fleur-de-ly around the central undecorated part of the plate and the price for those is, accordingly, slightly higher. Please note that the slight colour difference between images in the listings is due to slightly different lighting/camera settings.