Two rare porcelain game plates after the ones designed for the President Hayes Administration by Theodore R. Davis, made by Haviland & Co., Limoges, France. One depicts a sandpiper in flight and the other a pair of birds perched in ablossoming dogwood tree. Haviland mark, artist signature and Presidential Eagle Seal en verso, along with patent number 11932 and date 1880. Both in excellent condition with some wear to gilding, 9 1/8" diameter. Circa 1880. History: Thispattern, one of the most distinctive ever designed for the White House, was inspired by the flora and fauna of North America. The original set was comprised of 562 pieces for 9 courses with a total of 130 different decorations of American plants,animals, and scenic views. Haviland & Co. was permitted to produce the Hayes design for seven years. The patent number and date on the back of these plates indicate they are part of that limited production line. For more information seeMargaret Brown Klapthor, "Official White House China", 1999, p. 120. Provenance: Private Knoxville, Tennessee estate, owner a direct descendant of John J. Audubon.