after a design by Sergei Efremovich Sazonov (1870-1944), comprising a covered teapot, a covered sugar bowl, a cream jug, and two cups and saucers, all brightly painted with battle scenes from the Russian Civil War in reserves, the remainder of the body painted deep red and gilded, all stamped with iron red factory mark, one cup with a blue factory mark

overall excellent condition; some small wear to paint at underside of handles, one cup with hairline glaze crack (visible in the interior)
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The tachanka was a horse-driven cart on which was mounted a machine gun.  They were used extensively during the Civil War, particularly in Ukraine and the southern regions of the USSR. Dmitrovsk is the former Gardner Porcelain Factory and the battle scenes from the Defense (Tachanka) service are painted on shapes designed in the late nineteenth century when the factory became part of the M.S. Kuznetsov ceramics empire.  The combination of laborious hand painting and gilding on these delicate shapes make it clear that this service was intended for the Soviet elite who might recall their daring exploits in the Civil War from the vantage point of the drawing or dining room two decades later. On this design, see L. Andreeva, Sovetskii farfor/Soviet Ceramics: The Sandretti Collection of 20th Century Russian Art, Trento and Rovereto, 2004, p. 91, no. 157; E. Sametskaia, Sovetskii agitatsionnyi farfor, Moscow, 2004, pp. 284-286; and,  Iu. N. Kravtsova, et al, Verbilki. Istoriia farforovogo zavoda F.Ia. Gardnera, Moscow, 2005, pp. 264-265.