Hand-Painted Commemorative Plate Set – Haviland Limoges for D.A.R. "A Legacy Preserved" (c. 1982) 🌸⚜️🇫🇷

This is an exquisite set of porcelain collector plates from Haviland Limoges, France. The plates were commissioned exclusively for the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (D.A.R.), forming the "A Legacy Preserved" collection.

Each plate features a highly decorative border and a central hand-painted orchid motif. The specific mark and inscription on the reverse provide a clear, verifiable history, establishing this set as a premier acquisition for a collector of historical American-French association porcelain.

2. About the Porcelain Plates 📖✍️✨

This set consists of at least six collector plates, each measuring approximately 7.5 to 7.75 inches in diameter. The plate's form is defined by a wide, clean white border sculpted with a swirled or fluted relief pattern.

The artistic centerpiece is the delicate hand-painted motif of pink and magenta orchids. The reverse contains the crucial dedication and date, confirming this is not a retail item, but a limited-run commemorative commission. The soft colors, gold trim, and precise craftsmanship are hallmarks of the Haviland quality.

3. About the Maker: Haviland Limoges ✍️🏛️

The maker is the esteemed Haviland Limoges, France, a company internationally recognized for its fine porcelain since the mid-19th century. The factory's legacy is tied to American entrepreneur David Haviland, who established the company in the 1840s specifically to cater to the American market.

The company is celebrated for its innovative transfer techniques and use of delicate floral motifs. The mark on the back of this set confirms the porcelain was produced by Haviland Limoges, guaranteeing the material quality and artistic standard of one of the world's most famous porcelain centers.

4. Historical/Political Era Context 🌍🕰️📜

This set was produced between 1981 and 1983, a period when collector plates were a highly popular form of decorative art globally. The commission reflects a deep historical connection between the American lineage (D.A.R.) and the French manufacturing tradition (Limoges).

The D.A.R. plates are a tangible link to the post-Bicentennial era, when preserving the history of the American Revolution was a key focus for cultural societies. This piece is an authentic artifact that connects the long-standing French excellence in porcelain to a defining moment in American civic history.

5. The Ideal Collector 💡🧐🏛️

This set will appeal to a sophisticated collector with a specific interest in commemorative history and fine French porcelain. The ideal buyer is a D.A.R. collector, an American history enthusiast, or a Haviland specialist.

The set's verifiable association with a national historical society elevates it above general tableware. This piece is a strong asset for curating a formal dining room display or a collection focusing on Franco-American historical associations.

6. Value & Rarity 💎✨🏛️

This set of plates is valuable for its verifiable historical association and its high-quality French craftsmanship. The plates are approximately 42 to 44 years old.

Its scarcity is defined by being a limited-run commission made exclusively for a private society. The market value is sustained by the pristine condition of the porcelain and the meticulous application of the orchid motif and gold trim. The set represents a secure acquisition that blends aesthetic beauty with documented civic history.

7. Condition 🔎📚✨

This set of Haviland Limoges plates is in excellent, well-preserved condition.

• Structural Integrity: The plates are free of chips, cracks, or repairs.

• Artistry: The hand-painted orchid design and the gold trim are vibrant and intact.

• Glaze: The white porcelain body and swirled rim are clean and glossy.

• Marking: The D.A.R. dedication and the Haviland Limoges mark are fully legible on the reverse of each plate.

8. Fun Facts & Unique Features 🤓📜🤩

• The Orchid: The orchid motif was highly popular in fine porcelain, often symbolizing love, luxury, and rare beauty.

• D.A.R. Commission: The set was made exclusively for the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, a lineal society dedicated to preserving the memory of Revolutionary War soldiers.

• Swirled Rim: The sculpted, swirled or fluted rim is a highly decorative feature that adds a sense of movement to the plate's classical form.

• French-American Ties: The choice of a French porcelain house (Haviland) to honor the American Revolution subtly acknowledges France's crucial role as an ally during the war.

9. Supporting Information 🏷️📦💰

• Item Name: "A Legacy Preserved" Collector Plate Set (Set of 6)

• Maker/Factory: Haviland Limoges

• Client/Commission: National Society Daughters of the American Revolution

• Period: Vintage (Production 1981–1983)

• Medium/Material: Hand-Painted Porcelain with Gold Trim

• Decoration: Pink/Magenta Orchid Motif on Swirled White Rim

• Origin: Limoges, France

• Approximate Dimensions: 7.5 inches (Diameter)

• Marking Transcription (Verbatim from Base): Haviland LIMOGES (Crest) / Made exclusively for National Society Daughters of the American Revolution for A LEGACY PRESERVED 1981–1983 / Haviland France Limoges