Antique Russian Porcelain Tea Set by Gardner Factory (56 pieces)

19th century Russian porcelain tea set, by the Gardner factory, comprising twelve teacups and saucers, six coffee cups and saucers, six side plates, four tea/coffee pots, three creamers, three slops bowls, two covered sugar bowls, one cake plate and covered butter dish, all hand painted with roundels of flowers on a maroon/pink ground (56 pieces) note: the Gardner porcelain factory was significant for being the first private porcelain factory in Russia, as the Imperial porcelain factory, which was founded in 1744. It manufactured porcelain solely for the Russian Imperial court.