Antique French Purple & White Transferware Plates, Pair

Description

A wonderful historical piece and perfect gift or keepsake for a family with the surname of McMahon or MacMahon!

These … more A wonderful historical piece and perfect gift or keepsake for a family with the surname of McMahon or MacMahon!

These rare Art Deco inspired transferware plates commemorate the Crimean War battles between France and Russia at Malakoff in 1855 and between France, under Napoleon III, and Austria in 1859 during the Second Italian War for Independence. Patrice de Mac Mahon, the French-born son of an aristocratic Franco-Irish family, rose through military exploits to become Duke of Magenta and second President of the French Republic.

The center scene details the French victory in both battles while the elaborate plate border is designed in an unique Art Deco geometric motif.

The incised HB Choisy le Roi mark on the underside suggests fabrication in the late 1800's or early 1900's.

Condition is fair with age appropriate wear, discoloration and a crack in one plate. A lovely addition to any transferware or French history / militaria collection nonetheless. less