(Balloon Stein) A super German beer stein in the shape of a hot air balloon, 9 5/8 inches high, marked “1232 / Germany / 8” on bottom. On either side at the top are raised portraits of Graf Zeppelin and Orville Wright and the words “Gut Flug” , or “Good Flight”. The bottom is shaped like a balloon basket with several people leaning out.

$3,500

A shallow dinner plate from the White House Service of President and Mrs. James K.Polk, nine inches in diameter. On the reverse is the orange printed mark (see insert) of Edward Honoré, meant to simulate an invoice from his Paris firm. Circa 1846.

One of the most desired forms of Presidential China. A beautiful hand painted floral design graces the center surrounded by a light green border framed by gold leaf at the center and edges. At the top is the first use on china of the Presidential seal and the motto, “E. Pluribus Unum” in a ribbon across a shield. It is also the first time the colors of red, white, and blue appeared in a motif on the President’s china.

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An ivory colored porcelain dinner plate made by Lenox measuring 10 ½ inches in diameter. On the top is a classic Presidential eagle seal in raised gold, the motto “E Pluribus Unum” prominent in a ribbon above the eagle’s head. On the outside edge is a raised gold band with stars and stripes equally spaced, while another raised gold band encircles the center. On the verso also printed in gold across the center is “The White House 1918”; at the bottom is the signature and seal of Lenox. What proves this was part of the original White House service is the additional gold marking, “Dulin & Martin Co., Washington, D.C.”, the store that delivered the china to the White House. This china was also popular during the administrations of Presidents Harding, Coolidge, and Hoover. In excellent condition, probably used only once.

For further information and examples of this service see Klapthor, Official White House China, pages 152-158.

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Amidst all the thousands of objects of Victoriana that have come on the market this lovely plate stands out above most of them. The initials “VR” are strategically hand painted in the center of the plate surrounded by a garland of flowers. A crown sits at the top while at the bottom are the royal arms both framed in gold. Measuring about 10” in diameter the entire plate is encased in an original bi-sectional footed brass stand cast in a leaf and twig format with a folding handle; a hallmark has been stamped on one of the four bands that connect the base to the top. On the underside of the plate is the maker’s mark in gold, “Davenport Longport Staffordshire-Manufacturers to Their Majesties”. Not represented in the celebrated Robert Metzdorf Victoriana collection.

$4,800