Two French made porcelain plates, circa 1860, painted in the center with superbly detailed Russian Imperial eagle from the reign of Alexander II, border with green and gilded ornaments, Paris decorator’s mark of Jullien Fils Aine. Diameter 9 5/8 in. (24,5 cm). Condition: light rubbing to gilt on rims.

These plates are probably from a service made for a Southern France summer residence of Czar Alexander II.

The central shield with the arms of Moscow (St George slaying the dragoon) surrounded by the chain of the order of St. Andrew (Patron Saint of Russia). Each wing with four armorial shields representing formerly independent kingdoms, which became provinces of the Russian Empire: Astrakhan, Siberia, Georgia, and the Grand Principality of Finland (right wing); Kazan, Poland, Kherson & Tavria (Crimea), and conjoined arms of Grand Principalities of Kiev, Vladimir and Novgorod (left wing).

The decorator’s mark with 1st class prize medal 1855 featuring profile bust of Emperor Napoleon III.

This type of Imperial eagle was introduced in 1857.

Height of the eagle 2 5/8 in. (6,7 cm).