Munsey's Magazine, December 1903

# White House China in Munsey's Magazine, December 1903

This article by Y & G. Bare catalogs the historical china used by American Presidents, emphasizing its fragility and need for preservation. The piece details Washington's china sets—the Cincinnati and Van Braam sets, acquired through purchases rather than gifts, alongside pieces from his Niederweiler bowl and punch-bowl. It documents china belonging to subsequent presidents: Jefferson's octagonal Rockingham ware with "J" shields; Madison's destroyed Lowestoft set during the 1814 British burning; Monroe's French ware; Jackson's fine French china with yellow bands; and Pierce's distinctive "red edge set." Later presidential sets included Lincoln, Grant, Hayes, Harrison, and Roosevelt china. The article emphasizes how damaged White House ware was historically sold to second-hand dealers, allowing collectors like Captain Dickins to acquire authentic pieces, and notes the Hayes china as particularly elaborate, with designs by Theodore Davis.