Plate, Qianlong c.1770, arms of Alexander, Earl of Stirling
Plate, c.1770, with the quarterly arms of Alexander, Earl of Stirling. Made for William Alexander, Surveyor General of New Jersey, who in 1762 unsuccessfully claimed title to the dormant earldom of Stirling, but continued to use it throughout his life becoming known as General Lord Stirling. Born in NY, he commanded an American militia regiment in the War of Independence and was made a major general in Washington’s army in 1777, eventually commanding the American forces in the North. He died in Albany in 1763.
Reference : Howard, David S.; Chinese Armorial Porcelain, Volume II, p. 264