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Lot Essay
From the famed service purchased by Colonel 'Light-Horse Harry' Lee for George Washington in New York in 1786, 66 pieces of which are at the Henry Francis du Pont Winterthur Museum. The insignia of the Cincinnati Society (founded in 1783 at the suggestion of Major General Henry Knox, inspired by the Roman farmer turned patriot/soldier Cincinnatus) was designed by Major Pierre L'Enfant, featuring the bald eagle that had just been adopted by Congress as the new nation's seal. Orders for Chinese porcelain featuring Cincinnati decoration were organized by founding member Major Samuel Shaw, supercargo on the Empress of China and former aide-de-camp to General Knox.
It is interesting to note that the figure that suspends the badge on this service is a combination of two elements seen on the Society's membership certificate: the allegorical female figure shown near center, also turning her head back over her shoulder, and the putto at right with the trumpet of fame.
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Sold Christie's New York, 22 June 2012, lot 2572
It is interesting to note that the figure that suspends the badge on this service is a combination of two elements seen on the Society's membership certificate: the allegorical female figure shown near center, also turning her head back over her shoulder, and the putto at right with the trumpet of fame.
[caption]
Sold Christie's New York, 22 June 2012, lot 2572