Since its founding in 1842, Haviland & Co. has been producing some of the finest Limoges porcelain in France. For nearly two centuries, Haviland China has graced the tables of well-to-do families, luxury hotels, and even the White House. Today, vintage and antique Haviland China is highly prized by collectors around the world.
As you might expect, not all Haviland China is created equal in terms of value. Certain patterns, time periods, and pieces are especially sought-after and can fetch substantial sums on the secondary market. Whether you‘re a long-time collector or are just starting to explore the world of Haviland, it pays to know which pieces are the most valuable.
In this guide, we‘ll take an in-depth look at some of the most valuable Haviland China in existence. Along the way, you‘ll learn what factors influence the value of Haviland pieces and get tips for identifying, valuing, and selling your own Haviland China. By the end, you‘ll have a much better sense of why Haviland remains one of the most respected names in antique porcelain.
What Makes Haviland China Valuable to Collectors?
Before we dive into the most valuable pieces, let‘s first discuss what makes Haviland China so collectible in general. Here are some of the key factors that influence the desirability and value of antique Haviland China:
Age: As a general rule, older Haviland pieces tend to be more valuable, as they are rarer and reflect the earliest designs and techniques used by the company. Pieces from the mid-19th century are especially prized.
Rarity: Certain Haviland patterns and designs were produced in very limited quantities, which makes them harder to find and more valuable today. Limited edition pieces and one-of-a-kind items are the most sought-after.
Condition: As with any antique, condition plays a huge role in determining value. Haviland pieces that are free of chips, cracks, crazing, or repairs will always command higher prices than damaged items.
Provenance: Haviland China owned or used by notable figures or historic properties have added provenance that increases value. Pieces from the White House collection, for example, are extremely desirable.
Artistry: Haviland is renowned for the skill of its artisans and the beauty of its designs. Pieces that showcase especially fine artistry, intricate patterns, and detailed gilding are more valuable.
Completeness: Individual Haviland pieces can be quite valuable, but complete sets or large collections of matching pieces are the most valuable of all. The more pieces in the set, the better.
With these factors in mind, let‘s now look at some specific examples of the most valuable Haviland China based on auction results in recent years. Keep in mind that the market is always changing, so values can fluctuate over time.
Examples of the Most Valuable Haviland China Pieces and Sets
1. 12-Person Haviland Limoges Porcelain Dinner Service in the Ritz Club Burgundy Pattern – Sold for $35,000 in 2022
Our top spot goes to this spectacular 158-piece set in the iconic Ritz Club Burgundy pattern. Commissioned for use at the historic Ritz Hotel in Paris, this pattern features an elegant burgundy and gold design. This pristine set, which includes place settings for 12 along with many serving pieces, sold for an impressive $35,000 at a Sotheby‘s auction in 2022.
2. Rare Presidential Haviland Limoges Porcelain Dinner Plate from the Lincoln White House – Sold for $28,000 in 2023
This single dinner plate, which was part of a large set ordered for the White House during Abraham Lincoln‘s presidency, sold at a Christie‘s auction in 2023 for $28,000. The plate features a Solferino purple border with a central eagle motif. Despite some surface scratches, its rarity and historical significance made it extremely desirable to collectors.
3. Haviland & Co. Hand-Painted Fish Plates from the Rutherford B. Hayes White House Service – Sold for $22,500 in 2023
Another example of valuable presidential porcelain, this set of eight fish plates was used in the White House during the term of 19th president Rutherford B. Hayes. Each plate features exquisitely hand-painted and hand-signed fish designs. The set fetched $22,500 at a 2023 auction by Freeman‘s.
4. 140-Piece Vintage Haviland Limoges Porcelain Partial-Dinner Service in the Marjolaine Pattern – Sold for $18,750 in 2024
This extensive set showcases the romantic Marjolaine pattern, which features delicate floral designs and scrollwork against a pale blue background. Manufactured between 1983-2013, this set shows the lasting appeal of Haviland‘s floral patterns. It sold at Doyle in 2024 for a very respectable $18,750.
5. Haviland & Co. "Oasis Green" Pattern Porcelain Service for 12 – Sold for $16,000 in 2023
The modern "Oasis Green" pattern has become very popular with today‘s collectors due to its striking emerald green color and geometric gold designs. This pristine 105-piece set, manufactured between 1998-2013, includes settings for 12 and sold at Skinner for $16,000 in 2023.
Other valuable Haviland pieces and sets to make note of include:
- A 175-piece set in the "Matignon Green" pattern that sold for $14,000 in 2021
- A 221-piece set in the floral "Schleiger 639" pattern that sold for $12,500 in 2022
- An 85-piece set in the "Silver Anniversary" pattern that sold for $10,625 in 2024
Tips for Identifying, Valuing and Selling Haviland China
Do you think you might have some valuable Haviland China of your own? Here are some tips to help you identify, value and potentially sell your pieces:
Check for Haviland backstamps: Most genuine Haviland pieces have a stamped marking on the underside that includes the Haviland name or logo. You can reference online guides to Haviland markings to help date your piece. Be aware that there are many "fake" Haviland backstamps out there, so provenance is important for establishing authenticity of the most valuable pieces.
Identify the pattern: Haviland produced hundreds of patterns over the years. You can browse books on Haviland patterns or use online pattern identification guides to try to determine which pattern you have. Identifying the pattern is key to valuing your pieces.
Note any damage or wear: Carefully examine your pieces for any signs of damage like chips, cracks, or crazing. Look for signs of repair work as well. Damaged or repaired pieces will be lower in value, though rarity and provenance can sometimes overcome condition issues for the most desirable pieces.
Consult reliable price guides: Used bookstores are a great source for out-of-print price guides on Haviland China that can help you determine ballpark values for your pieces based on the specific pattern and piece type. Keep in mind that these guides are often a bit outdated, so values may have changed.
Get an appraisal from a reputable source: For the most accurate and current valuation, your best bet is to have your pieces appraised by a certified appraiser who specializes in antique porcelain. Appraisers can give you a expert opinion on authenticity and connect you with interested buyers as well.
Consider selling through an established auction house: If you have especially rare or valuable Haviland pieces, selling through a reputable auction house that specializes in antique porcelain is often the best way to reach serious collectors and maximize your sale price. Look for auction houses like Christie‘s, Sotheby‘s, and others that have experience selling Haviland.
Where to Learn More About Collecting Haviland China
Whether you‘re just starting your collection or are a seasoned Haviland afficionado, there‘s always more to learn about these beautiful porcelain pieces. Here are some great resources for deepening your knowledge and connecting with other collectors:
Books: There are many informative collector‘s guides on Haviland China that showcase the company‘s history, patterns, and production techniques. Look for titles by respected Haviland experts like Arlene Schleiger and David Ross.
Collector‘s Clubs: Groups like the Haviland Collectors International Foundation and the American Haviland Club are great ways to meet other collectors, share knowledge, and stay up-to-date on the market. Many clubs host annual meetings and events.
Museums: If you want to see rare Haviland pieces in person, check if there are any museums in your area with Haviland collections. In the U.S., the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Brooklyn Museum have notable collections.
Online Marketplaces: Online antiques marketplaces like 1stDibs, RubyLane, and eBay can be great places to browse a wide selection of Haviland pieces for sale and get a sense of what the current market looks like. Plus, they provide a platform for buying and selling your own pieces.
Social Media: Believe it or not, social media is a thriving place for Haviland collectors. There are many Facebook groups dedicated to buying, selling, and discussing Haviland where you can crowdsource information and connect with other passionate collectors.
Conclusion
As you can see, the world of antique Haviland China is full of rare and valuable treasures. From presidential pieces to complete antique sets, Haviland porcelain has an enduring legacy of artistry and exclusivity that continues to captivate collectors around the globe.
While the Haviland pieces we‘ve profiled here are among the most valuable, there are plenty of other Haviland patterns and pieces that regularly sell for thousands of dollars on the secondary market. By familiarizing yourself with Haviland‘s most desirable patterns, production periods, and pieces, you‘ll be well on your way to finding the next valuable treasure.
Whether you‘re looking to start your collection, add to an existing one, or sell some Haviland pieces of your own, the key is to arm yourself with knowledge. By consulting trusted resources, connecting with other collectors, and working with reputable appraisers and auction houses, you can get the most out of this timeless porcelain. Here‘s to happy Haviland hunting!
