Ronald Reagan Owned Gilt-Chased Czech Dinner Plate, With Outstanding Provenance

An elegant dinner plate, with a hand-painted floral spray at the center surrounded by a sumptuously gilt and repousse encrusted border, personally owned and used by former 40th U.S. President Ronald Reagan (1911-2004) and First Lady Nancy Reagan (1921-2016) at their Bel Air, California home. Manufactured by Czechoslovakia's Porcelain Union Factory, with the underglaze backstamp depicting a crowned laurel wreath verso reading, "Union T / Czecho-slovakia." Originally sold at Christie's in New York City, September 19-28, 2016, with a Christie's auction sticker affixed to the plate bottom. Accompanied by a University Archives authentication tag signed by John Reznikoff. Expected light wear such as utensil scratches consistent with occasional use, else near fine. 10.75" in diameter.

This formal dinner plate was manufactured by the Porcelain Union Factory, Union T, in what was then Czechoslovakia. The firm was established in 1921 under the name the United Porcelain Factory and was formed in the village of Meretitz outside of Klasterec. The Anglo-Czechoslovakian Bank merged several factories to form the new business with offices in Klasterec. The maker marks used by the company included Union K and later Union T, for Turn-Teplitz, when the Alexandra Porcelain Works Factory merged into the new business. Most Union T plates were made between 1921-1934. By 1939, all the factories were closed.

Nancy Reagan was well known for her interest in elegant designer classics, and the Reagans' choice of dinnerware was no exception. Her flair for entertaining and hosting was amply demonstrated during her time as First Lady. “She felt the White House should exemplify the best,” said Mark Weinberg, who worked on Ronald Reagan’s campaigns in the White House Press Office. After the White House, the Reagans entertained many people at their homes, ranging from heads of state to Hollywood associates. This stunning piece from the Reagans' personal dinnerware collection exemplifies Nancy Reagan's love of sophisticated design.

The Private Collection of President & Mrs. Ronald Reagan sale at Christie's held between September 19-28, 2016 attained record prices. Highlights included $200,000 for cowboy boots emblazoned with the presidential seal and $100,000 for a sheet of presidential doodles. This incomplete dinnerware set was purchased with the hopes that individual items could be offered to collectors who might not wish to own a large group of china.

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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