James Madison White House dessert plate, one of the rarest Presidential china pieces and the first set used in the newly built White House after its destruction in the War of 1812. When the British set fire to the White House in 1814, most of the china kept there from the first three Presidential administrations was also destroyed. Madison then turned to this china, which he purchased while Secretary of State in 1806, for use at The Octagon House, the temporary Presidential residence used by the Madisons from 1814-1817. There the President and Dolley Madison hosted Wednesday night ''squeezes'', so named because of the cramped quarters, determined to carry on normal protocol despite the war. After the White House was rebuilt in 1817, this china set was then used by James Monroe and subsequent administrations.
Beautiful plate in peach, black, white and gilt is designed in the French Neoclassical style, with an abstract pattern that subsequently inspired 1960s mid-century design. With maker's mark of Nast a Paris on underside. Plate measures 9.25''. Beautifully preserved in near fine condition. This same plate originally sold at Heritage Auctions 18 years ago in its 12 June 2008 sale, lot 70012, for $14,340.