Russian tea cup saucer, Gardner ware, 1880 (c)

This tea cup saucer was part of a service reputedly acquired by Major-General (later Field Marshal) Frederick Roberts during the 2nd Afghan War (1878-1880).

Glazed earthenware saucer, one of two, made by Gardner of Moscow, 1880 (c). White with blue glaze and painted decoration of flora and fauna at centre; with the arms of Tsar Alexander II on the base.

To a British Victorian soldier this service probably represented Moscow's influence in, trade with and hunger for Afghanistan. The geographical position of the latter, straddling as it did the passes through the Hindu Kush to India, made British control and influence there, as opposed to Russian, a vital strategic consideration for policy makers.

Francis Gardner, an English banker, founded his porcelain manufacturing company near Moscow in 1766.