What is it?
Beginning with President George Washington (president, 1789-1797), presidential china reflected the personal and public taste of the time. In 1845, James K. Polk (president, 1845-1849) became the 11th president of the United States. In 1846, the Polk State Service was purchased for $979 through the New York dry goods merchant Alexander Stewart & Co. The Parisian firm Edouard Honoré produced the 400 rococo-style dinner and dessert pieces, which are considered to be among the most beautiful of all presidential china. Polk's china features a green border, molded and gilded scrolls, and assorted floral motifs. This rare Polk State Service dessert plate has an elegant sweet pea and violet floral motif.
President James K. Polk's china was the first to be designed with a shield of stars and stripes. Designs usually featured the Federal eagle motif.
VALUE = $25,000
What is it worth?
While most examples can be found today on display at museums and at the White House, presidential china periodically turns up at public auctions. Prices can start at $7,000 apiece.