January 2014 Auction Ends Thursday, January 30th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/30/2014
Brilliant gold-covered service plate used in the Eisenhower White House. Plate is one of only 120 service plates commissioned by Eisenhower, the only porcelain ordered for the White House by his administration, as the Truman service had been ordered the year before Eisenhower took office and remained in use throughout his two terms. First Lady Mamie Eisenhower selected this regal pattern - translucent ivory porcelain richly decorated in gold, with the presidential seal at center encircled by fifty stars, and the rims covered in a thick border of real embossed coin gold. According to the second edition of the authoritative guide, ''Official White Hose China'', the creation of these ornate plates ''...required eight separate firings to achieve the desired finish...'' The cost in 1955 was $3,606.40. Mamie Eisenhower is responsible for spearheading the White House China preservation effort and personally took up a collection of porcelain samples from prior administrations. Underside of plate bears the maker's stamp in gold and black, ''Castleton Studios / The White House / November 1955 / Made in USA''. Even the rim on the underside is coated in gold. Measures 11.5'' in diameter. Minute mark on border between 4 and 5 o'clock, else fine.
Stunning Eisenhower White House Used China -- 11.5'' Plate by Castleton China, Inc. -- Expertly Crafted With Exquisite Border Made of Pure Gold
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