Colorful oyster plate from the Rutherford B. Hayes administration, designed by Theodore Davis for Haviland Limoges. 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. 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. Verso edge also shows America eagle. Plate measures 8.75'' in diameter, with scalloped edge. Nearly indiscernible minute chip on extreme edge, filled in with gold, overall near fine condition.