MARK OF JOHN BRIDGE, LONDON, 1829

Mountstuart Elphinstone (1779-1859) was a Scottish statesman and historian, associated with the government of British India. The fourth son of John, 11th Baron Elpinstone, he joined the Bengal Civil Service, arriving in India in 1796. In 1802 Elphinstone went to Poona as the assistant to the governor-general’s agent and soon distinguished himself in two battles. Conspicuous military and diplomatic services ensured his rapid advancement. In 1808 he was appointed Ambassador to the Afghan Court of Kabul. In 1819 Elphinstone became the Governor of Bombay, where he is credited with preparing the code of law that existed for forty years and laying the foundation of the public education system. Elphinstone retired in 1827, and returned to England in 1829, where he devoted himself to writing the History of India. A statue was erected in memory of him in St. Paul’s Cathedral.

A set of twelve dinner plates and a venison dish from the same service, and with the presentation inscription, sold in these Rooms, 28 April 1992, lot 158, and 17 April 1985, lot 256. A pair of entrée dishes with the Elphinstone crest, by John Bridge, 1829, sold Christie’s, London, 13 July 1994, lot 69.