Two Rutherford B. Hayes presidential china plates from the 1880 edition of the service designed for the White House by Theodore Davis for Haviland. One depicts two lobsters, signed "D" lower left; the other depicting two fish, signed "D" lower right, both marked on back with artist's signature, Haviland Limoges stamp, and additional blue stamp "Design patented August 10th 1880 No. 11935." Both have gilt trim and measure 8 3/8" diameter. Provenance: The estate of Anne Sexton Shockley of Nashville, by descent from her great-grandfather John Houston of Nashville, a former employee and personal friend of David Haviland. Houston moved to Nashville in the mid-19th century and partnered with A.H. Hicks in his porcelain importing business located at 46 Public Square. (Additional high-resolution photos are available at www.caseantiques.com)

1st plate (lobster plate): 1/4" chip and a 1/8" flake to decorated portion of rim. 2nd plate (fish plate): Excellent condition.