The same cypher appears on a number of pieces en suite with the present lot remaining at Doorn, including a large tureen on stand and a monumental cup and cover, all by Hossauer. Schadt & Schneider (op.cit. p. 85) suggests that this may stand for Prince Frederick William Ludwig of Prussia (1794-1863), a nephew of Frederick William III. It would appear to be more likely however that the P stands for Prussia and that the service was commissioned by King Frederick William IV (succeeded in 1840).