Rare 19th century Haviland Limoges porcelain oyster plate commissioned by Rutherford B. Hayes for the White House. Marked on underside with United States Seal, FABRIQUÈ PAR HAVILAND & Co d'après les dessin D E (in red), Theodore Davis printed signature , DESIGN PATENTED AUGUST 10th 1880, and H&Co over L. Theodore Davis (1840-1894)was a well known artist and reporter during the Civil War and was a friend of the Pres. Hayes. The "Presidential" oyster plates have five wells, surrounded by southern raccoon oysters, which have the outside of their shells showing. The arrangement vaguely resembles the outline of a turkey, and are often referred to as the turkey oyster plates. Size: 8.75 in diameter. Excellent condition.