Set of Twelve 19th C. French Choisy-le-Roi Dessert Plates “Campagnes Militaires”

$1,200

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Crafted in France circa 1870 at the celebrated Choisy-le-Roi manufactory under Hippolyte Boulenger, this set of twelve faïence transferware dessert plates commemorates the major European campaigns of the Second Empire under Napoleon III. Each plate measures 8.5 inches in diameter and is decorated in black transfer with a central vignette framed by an ornate floral border. The series, titled Campagnes Militaires, narrates key episodes of the Austro-Prussian War and Italian unification—events that reshaped Europe during Napoleon III’s reign. Individual Titles Benedek et son État Major — Austrian General Benedek with his staff on horseback. Garibaldi et ses Volontaires — Giuseppe Garibaldi leading his volunteers during the Italian campaigns. Reddition de l’Armée Hanovrienne — The surrender of the Hanoverian army. Bataille de Custozza (Le prince Humbert) — Prince Humbert at the Battle of Custoza. Entrée du Roi de Prusse à Gitschin — The King of Prussia enters Gitschin. Les Prussiens au Johannisberg — Prussians at Johannisberg, one carrying a basket. Défense de paysans bohêmiens — Bohemian peasants defending their village. Bataille de Koeniggrätz — The decisive Prussian victory at Königgrätz. Josephstadt (Bohême) — View of the fortified Bohemian town of Josephstadt. Charge de la cavalerie Hongroise repoussée par l’infanterie Prussienne — Hungarian cavalry repelled by Prussian infantry. Sadowa (Épisode du drapeau) — Raising the flag at the Battle of Sadowa. Le Pavillon Français à Venise — The French Pavilion in Venice, with architectural landmarks. Stamped HB Choisy-le-Roi on the reverse, the plates reflect the factory’s celebrated tradition of commemorative wares that blended popular history, propaganda, and artistry during the Napoleonic era. Condition: Excellent overall, with only minor surface wear consistent with age; one plate with a faint hairline crack. Transfer prints remain crisp, with strong black detailing to the borders. A rare complete series, these 19th-century Napoleon III commemorative plates present beautifully for wall display, in a cabinet, or as a centerpiece collection for enthusiasts of French ceramics and European history.

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