Fabulous blue & with souvenir plate dating prior to 1859, which is when the spire was added. Notre-Dame Cathedral's iconic spire was the work of Eugène Viollet-le-Duc, architect of the restoration of the cathedral in the 19th century. The maker mark on back, underglaze, mentions being winner of the gold medal, 1836 & 39, which affirms this is a very old plate, indeed, and yet it presents in beautiful shape for display. The plate form is stunningly fine with the bas relief scallop motif, and the restrained lines of blue against the white of the porcelain. Plate is 8" in diameter. Full measurements noted on the photos.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type, it would have been a Grand Tour traveler's souvenir. Being 170 years old or more, it presents remarkably unscathed, as you can see. I have marked 2 minuscule bottom rim nips for your review, and there are none to be found on the upper rim. No cracks, no hairlines. Some crazing to the glaze, but only on the back side. The display face of the plate hasn't a single flaw to note, no glaze crazing at all. What a gem! Just in from France.
