David Haviland was a New York City retail china merchant in the 1840s who went to Europe to buy the latest products for his customers.  He became very interested in the modern French porcelain but found that it did not necessarily reflect the American taste.  Ultimately, he established his own porcelain factory in Limoges to take advantage of French craftsmanship but using American shapes and styles of decoration.  He prospered and brought his sons into the business, including Theodore.  In 1892, Theodore left his father to establish his own firm in Limoges and in turn was joined by his son, William, in 1903.   In 1919, Theodore died and his firm passed on to his son.  In the 1930s, events in Europe became so dire that William felt that war was inevitable, and he decided it was time for him to relocate his business to the United States.  In 1937, he did so, and his US factory prospered for nearly 20 years.  It remained in the Haviland family until 1972.  The company known as Haviland Limoges is still in operation today.  

American wholesale importers also visited the European porcelain and pottery factories, none more so than Boston’s Jones, McDuffee & Stratton (J. M & S).  The Boston firm, originally established early in the nineteenth century, certainly stopped by and did business with both David and later Theodore Haviland.  By 1910, J. M & S was the largest china importer in the United States and announced that it could provide “matching stock patterns” for almost any pattern ever produced, including those made by Theodore Haviland.

The elaborate red printed backstamp on our piece, used primarily from 1926-1937, tells an informative story: “Theodore Haviland, Limoges, France,” which then repeats: "Manufactured by Theodore Haviland et Cie, Limoges, France, for J.McD.&S.Co., Boston.”

This lovely plate, therefore, combines real beauty of design and gorgeous colors with a bit of history of two major players in the porcelain trade over two centuries.