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This is a commemorative reproduction plate issued by Haviland China and made in France. The markings on the back are illustrated in the above photographs and date the plate to the period 1947 - 1962 when these markings were used. It is 8-5/8 inches in diameter. It's design is based on the following:
George and Martha Washington received this monogrammed tea service as a gift from the East India company in 1796, selected by its captain, Andrea van Braam Houckgeest. Made in Canton, each piece features Mrs. Washington's initials at the center as well as the names of all 15 states in the union at that time. Originals of this pattern are so rare that no such plate ever has been sold at a New York auction house. A Latin motto, "Decus et tutamen ab illo" appears under Mrs. Washington's initials on a ribbon motif. This means "A glory and the defense of it". Underneath both initials and motto is a gold sunburst, and a narrow border for each plate bears the motif of a snake with its tail in its mouth.
CONDITION: Minor wear in the gold central starburst. There are no chips, cracks or hairlines.
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