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Antique Historical Washington Chain of States White House Plate French Limoges for Macy’s
Antique Historical Washington Chain of States White House Plate French Limoges for Macy’s Antique Historical Washington Chain of States White House Plate French Limoges for Macy’s Antique Historical Washington Chain of States White House Plate French Limoges for Macy’s Antique Historical Washington Chain of States White House Plate French Limoges for Macy’s

Antique Historical Washington Chain of States White House Plate French Limoges for Macy’s

$59.99

Brand Unknown

The Martha Washington "States China" Commemorative Plate is a finely crafted, late 19th- to early 20th-century French porcelain reproduction of one of America’s most famous historical dinner services. This specific piece represents an important intersection of early American political symbolism and the golden age of New York department store retailing.

The Historical Design (The Front)
The front of the plate replicates the design of the famous "States China" service presented to First Lady Martha Washington around 1795.
  • The Chain of Unity: The most striking feature is a continuous border of 15 interlocking green chain links. Each link contains the name of a state present in the Union at the time (including the original 13 colonies plus Vermont and Kentucky). This imagery heavily symbolizes national unity and the unbroken bond between the states.
  • The Monogram & Motto: The center of the plate features a radiant gold sunburst surrounding a central green medallion containing Martha Washington’s monogram (MW). Below the monogram is a pink ribbon bearing the Latin motto: "Decus et Tutamen Ab Illo" which translates to "An Ornament and a Safeguard from Him" (or by it, referencing the newly formed Union or God).

The Production & Retail Connection (The Back)
While the original 1795 service was made of Chinese export porcelain, this particular plate is a luxury revival piece manufactured in Limoges, France, between 1891 and 1910.
  • The Manufacturer/Importer (S&S L France): The backstamp features the "S&S L" mark belonging to Lazarus Straus & Sons. Founded by Lazarus Straus, this prominent firm was a powerhouse importer of fine European ceramics and glassware, operating cutting-edge decorating workshops and factories in Limoges, France.
  • The Retail Giant (R.H. Macy & Co.): The plate features an oval stamp reading "R.H. Macy & Co. New York." The connection between the two marks is deeply historic: in 1874, Lazarus Straus and his sons negotiated a deal to operate the china, porcelain, and glassware department in the basement of Macy's flagship store. The department became wildly successful, and the Straus family eventually bought ownership of the entire Macy's department store by the late 1890s.

Market and Historical Significance
During the late Victorian and Edwardian eras, a wave of American patriotism led to high consumer demand for colonial revival historical pieces. Lazarus Straus & Sons utilized their French factories to manufacture these exquisite, translucent Limoges porcelain reproductions exclusively for the American market. Sold through Macy’s, they allowed affluent American families of the turn of the century to own a high-quality piece of early presidential history.

 


Measures 

Condition: no chips or cracks

There is  typical, age related crazing present. 

Marked: