Ronald Reagan White House China, Lenox Exhibit Service Plate

A Reagan White House (1981-1989) exhibit service plate, part of a special edition made by Lenox and used when presidential china is put on display. Beautiful ivory color porcelain features a large gold Great Seal of the United States at center, surrounded by a gilt-rimmed red and gold crosshatch design. The famed Lenox official watermark is present to the underside, and reads, “The White House 1981 / American by Design / Made in the U.S.A. / Exhibit Collection for Lenox Corporation 2010". Measures 11.875'' in diameter. In near fine condition.

After hosting a 1981 dinner for British prime minister Margaret Thatcher, at which Nancy Reagan had to combine the china of four different administrations, the first lady ordered 4,370 pieces of Lenox china, almost twice as many place settings as other recent services. The Reagans were criticized for its nearly $210,000 cost, even though the china was not funded by taxpayers. It was paid for by a J. P. Knapp Foundation donation.

Nancy Reagan worked closely with Lenox to choose a design that would present a strong presence, deciding on a pattern that featured a striking scarlet red, which was the first lady's favorite color. This pattern was used for the Reagans' more formal dinner service, and first debuted on February 3, 1982 for a state dinner in honor of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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