Property from a Georgia Private Collection Rare Porcelain Dinner Plate, After the Design for the President Hayes Administration by Theodore R. Davis, Haviland & Co., Limoges, France, 1880, depicting a stag at night with gold stars, initial signed lower right, the underside of rim with an American eagle and shield, marked on underside of base 'Fabrique Par Haviland & Co. d'apres les dessins de Theo: R. Davis, Design Patented August 10th 1880, No 11936, H & Co.' This pattern, one of the most distinctive ever designed for the White House, was inspired by the flora and fauna of North America. The original set was comprised of 562 pieces for 9 courses with a total of 130 different decorations of American plants, animals, and scenic views. Haviland & Co. was permitted to produce the Hayes design for seven years. The patent number and date on the back of these plates indicate they are part of that limited production line. For more information see Margaret Brown Klapthor, "Official White House China", 1999, p. 120.