319: ROYAL DOULTON ORCHID BOTANICAL PLATES SIGNED KEATES

The outstanding set of thirteen presentation plates with shaped, coined gold edge and decoration of raised, beaded gold enamels on the rim are each centered by a different hand painted orchid botanical executed in vibrant color and great detail by N. W. Keates, designer and artist for Royal Doulton. Each of the thirteen different orchid species is identified verso. Several plates bear the signature mark of an unidentified gold decorator. Each example is hand painted without decal or transfer.
Measures 10.5 inches.
Very, very good to excellent condition. There are no chips, cracks, repairs, scratches, missing enamel beads, or areas of heavy wear save some minor wear to the gold base rim under some and one utensil mark to one as shown, otherwise excellent overall with all gold beads and other decoration, nice shine, little to no sign of handling or use.
Provenance: The collection of Josephine Bird Hall (1888 - 1948) by descent to her son, the present owner. Josephine's father was a founder of Kansas City's Emery, Bird, Thayer Department Store.
$3,000 - $5,000