The 'Frog' service was made to the order of Catherine the Great of Russian between 1773-74, for the Chesmenski Palace built on a site known as La Grenouillière, hence the crest of a green frog. The service comprised 952 pieces, according to Bentley who catalogued the service in June 1774 for exhibition prior to its delivery to Russia. Each piece was painted at the Chelsea enamelling works with a different named view, but since the cost of production proved to be so high, it was decided to execute the service in monochrome. For a detailed discussion on this service see Robin Reilly, op. cit., vol. I, pp. 271-282 and for sample pieces from the service see ibid, pls. 327-337

A trial plate for the service painted in polychrome and without the frog crest was sold in these Rooms on 10 October 1983, lot 122