Stunning Derby Porcelain Chocolate Cup & Cover c.1805-1810 Possibly Patt. 770

A very fine Derby chocolate cup and cover with fluted, squared side handles and raised beading around the shoulder. The domed cover has an ornately modelled knop formed as a laurel wreath secured with ribbons (these knops are usually just simple rings). A fabulously riotous pattern of enamelled feathery scrolls in scarlet, plum, green, blue and pale pink, intermingling with a background of stylised gilded acanthus leaves. The incurved shoulder is coloured in an apricot ground with gilt leaves and flowers, and splashes of plum enamel. The knop, beading and all rims and edges are also gilded. The base has the red painted crown over crossed swords and D mark, but unusually, the initials E and V (or R) are painted either side where the three dots would usually sit. c.1805-1810. I have encountered this peculiar mark variation on other different shaped pieces of the period, where they are specifically decorated with this pattern. This suggests a link to the decorator but this was not the way in which Derby pieces were marked by the workmen so it is certainly unusual. This pattern may be teawares pattern number 770, described as "Fawn Border top and Bottom Coloured Arabesque By J Lead and J Moscrop". Fawn is the term used for the pale apricot ground seen here. This pattern was specifically assigned to these two decorators and gilders but an illustrated example I have been unable to find.