A rare porcelain demitasse cup and saucer from the U.S.S. Honey Fitz, the Presidential Yacht, from the Shenango China service used by John F. Kennedy and his family and guests. The cup is 2.5'' in diameter - approximately 3.5'' including the handle - and the design features double bands of 24kt gold trim and the United States Presidential Seal of a single eagle between two five-point stars. Weight Approx., 2 ounces. The underside is stamped with the maker's mark "Shenango China, New Castle, PA." Weight Approx., 2 ounces

Though Presidents Truman, Eisenhower and Nixon also used the 92-foot watercraft, it was JFK's heavily photographed leisure time entertaining his family on board that made the elegant ship an American icon. Jackie Kennedy did not replace the Presidential china when her husband took office, preferring to restore the historical china to practical use. Therefore, this plate, as part of the yacht china, was also used during the Eisenhower administration, and perhaps Truman's as well.

These items come directly from the Hirschy family. Lieutenant Hirschy was Supply and Logistics Officer for the Military Aides to the President and Officer-in-Charge of the Navy Mess in the White House during both the Kennedy and Johnson administrations. His duties also included taking care of the President’s needs on overseas trips, aboard the presidential yachts and at Camp David. Lt. Hirschy served in the White House from May 1, 1961 through May 31, 1965.