How to Sell Your White House China Plate

White House china is among the most popular presidential memorabilia. The striking sets provide a peek into the preferences of past first ladies as well as trends of the various eras. The White House China room, created by First Lady Edith Wilson, is devoted to displaying of all the china sets from previous administrations. We’ve sold some very special and scarce White House china pieces at Nate D. Sanders Auctions. Please reach out to us if you’d like a free appraisal or would like to sell your White House china plate.

Here are some White House china plates we’ve sold:

China Plate From Thomas Jefferson’s White House

We realized $26,121 for a plate from the Thomas Jefferson administration. Plate is crafted from white Chinese porcelain has has painted blue and gilt accents. Center of plate has a knight’s head with a shield that bears a gilt ”J”. Plate measures 9.5” in diameter, and is near fine.

China Plate From Thomas Jefferson’s White House

China from the Thomas Jefferson administration is very scarce due to the White House destruction during the War of 1812 and heirs selling his personal belongings after his passing to pay debts. We sold a rare Thomas Jefferson china plate for $18,750. Plate measures 6.125” in diameter and has blue and gilt accents with a knight and shield at center.

Abraham Lincoln White House “Buff Set” China Plate

The Abraham Lincoln administration had several sets of china. One was called the “solferino” set ordered in 1861, and another more casual design named the “Buff Set” was ordered in 1865 for everyday occasions at the White House. A third set of china adorned with a pink border was delivered to Mrs. Lincoln right before leaving the White House. We sold a plate from the “Buff Set” for for $8,711. Plate is made by ”J.K. Kerr” of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and features a buff colored border and gilt circular edge and gilt circle at center.

Harry Truman White House China Plate

The Truman administration ordered a new china set following the White House renovation that took place between 1948–1952. They wanted china that matched the new wall color of the State Dining Room, and Lenox made a set consisting of celadon green and 24 karat gold in the outermost band. In 1945 President Truman modified the Presidential Seal to have the eagle face the olive branch, representing peace, rather than facing the arrows that represent war. This change is reflected in their china set. We sold a large Harry Truman White House china dinner plate, measuring 11.375 inches in diameter, for $6,995.

Woodrow Wilson White House Service Plate China

The china from the Woodrow Wilson administration was the first to be produced in the United States as previous sets were mostly manufactured in France. We sold a Woodrow Wilson White House china plate measuring 11.75 inches for $5,236. Lenox plate features a navy blue band with a circular gilt border on both sides. Center of plate contains the Presidential Seal. This classic design would later inspire the White House china selected by First Lady Nancy Reagan.

Franklin D. Roosevelt White House China Dinner Plate

We realized $4,875 for a White House china plate from the Franklin D. Roosevelt administration. Plate is part of the “exhibit collection” by Lenox and was purchased by First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt to support American companies during the Great Depression. Cream colored plate has the Great Seal of the U.S. along rim and a navy trim decorated with 48 stars, to represent each state. Plate measures 11.5 inches in diameter.

FAQ

How do I consign or sell my White House china plate?
It’s never been easier to sell your White House china plate at Nate D. Sanders Auctions. Email a description and images of your item to [email protected] and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can with a free estimate.

This sounds great and I’d like to move forward. What’s the consignment process like at Nate D. Sanders Auctions?
We’ll send you more information about our auction house along with an agreement to review. Your item will appear in our next auction. Unlike many auction houses, we hold monthly auctions and pay you within an industry-leading 45 days following the auction.

What factors determine the value of a White House china plate?
The value of your china can vary based on condition, presidential administration and rarity.