Colorful oyster plate designed for the Rutherford B. Hayes administration by Theodore Davis for Haviland Limoges. China plate features five wells in the likeness of opened blue point oysters, surrounded by painted shell, seaweed and water designs accented in gilt. The pattern was so popular upon its debut that it was made available to the public, distinguishable from the official White House china by the presence of a patent number, not found here. This plate was produced in or after 1880, and therefore likely used by Presidents Arthur or Cleveland who reordered the china in 1884 and 1886 respectively. Verso is inscribed in red overglaze, ''FABRIQUE PAR / HAVILAND & CO; / d'apres les dessins / DE'' with Davis' printed signature underneath in black overglaze, ''Theo: R. Davis''. Additionally ''H & Co'' in green underglaze and ''DESIGN PATENTED / AUGUST 10TH 1880'' in blue overglaze. Underside also shows America eagle. Plate measures 8.75'' in diameter, with scalloped edge. Near fine.