A Spode coffee can and saucer from the Reverend William Nelson service, circa 1806-08
The can with a distinctive kicked handle, decorated with red and gold keyfret borders, painted with two crests of Nelson's chelengk and the stern of the San Josef with motto 'Faith and Works', surmounted by an earl's coronet, saucer 13.7cm diam (2)
Footnotes:
The Spode factory specialised in 'matchings' or replacements for existing table services. It is possible this can and saucer was ordered by Reverend Nelson as a replacement or addition to his Coalport service made to commemorate his title of 1st Earl Nelson. In all respects the decoration of this can is identical to that of the Coalport breakfast service and so it is also possible that a London decorating workshop was responsible for both, and had found it difficult to obtain sufficient 'blanks' from one manufactory.

William Nelson's chinaware was inherited by his daughter Charlotte, Duchess of Bronte, who had married Samuel Hood, Baron Bridport. On his death in 1868 the china passed to his son, Alexander Nelson, Viscount Bridport. What remained of the set was sold in Lord Bridport's sale at Christies in July 1895. Lot 41 in the Bridport sale was a selection of pieces from the Reverend William Nelson set. Bought by 'Ward', the lot included six large tea-cups, five coffee-cups and twelve saucers. It is possible that the present lot was among these.