Plate on footring, flat scalloped rim. Decorated in enamel colours. In the centre a coat of arms in an exuberant, rocaille-shaped panel surrounded by a snake biting its own tail. The coat of arms comprises two crossed muskets and an upright sword or épée with the letters ABCD above. Above and below the rim garlands and interlinked scrolls separated by pendent ornaments, fleur-de-lis and four snakes biting their own tails. Porcelain decorated with a coat of arms was one of the first examples of chine de commande. Chinese armorial porcelain was very popular in Europe in the 18th century. Those with the right connections could order dinner and tea services with their family's arms. Officially registered coats of arms are usually easily identified. More difficult to place are the fancy coats of arms of private individuals, fellowships, societies, and so forth. As the letters ABCD and the crossed muskets are unusual elements in a family arm, this seems to be more an emblem of an association or a civil defense society. There are no pieces with a 'normal' family coat of arms in the Van Diepen Collection.