Franklin D. Roosevelt 
White House China

C. 1940
11 1/4" 
 
These 11 1/4" dinner plates from the FDR White House service features the Great Seal of the United States as the central design element. The plates outer edge is adorned with a circle of gold stars, while its edges are trimmed with gold and the border is a soft shade of pale yellow. The service was produced by Thomas Haviland and Lenox and was displayed at the New York World's Fair in 1939-1940. Although it was considered surplus after serving its purpose, it was delivered to the White House on November 1, 1940, at no cost. According to Margaret Klapthor in "Official White House China", Lenox made the dinner plates and after-dinner cups and saucers, while Haviland crafted the rest of the service. The back of the plates are marked with the Lenox logo and applied gold numbers (1326/P362A). These dinner plates are pictured on page 86 of the Klapthor book. While the FDR Library at Hyde Park owns twelve various pieces from this service, these particular examples are in wonderful condition.