A very fine pair of Chinese export porcelain dinner plates made for the American market bearing the central drape and shield motif inscribed with the gilded initials NAB from a dinner service ordered for Nicholas and Ann Brown of Providence, Rhode Island. The Browns were already wealthy traders by the time Nicholas Jr. graduated from The College of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations which was eventually renamed Brown University due to Nicholas’ very generous donations. Nicholas later formed Brown & Ives, a mercantile trading company with ships sailing around the world – from which he most likely ordered this dinner service – and with that wealth he further invested in the burgeoning textile industry increasing his fortunes even further.  Despite this wealth, the Browns didn’t seem to entertain too heavily as there is virtually no wear on these dinner plates, the gilded monogram in pristine condition!  measuring 10″ in diameter, one with a faint spider to the reverse, not showing on the front. Circa 1800. A great gift for any Brown graduate or alum! $450.00 each.