Haviland: French Limoges Porcelain for the American Table

Haviland refers to the porcelain produced by the Haviland family's factories in Limoges, France, beginning in 1842 when David Haviland, a New York china importer, established a decorating workshop and eventually a full porcelain manufactory to supply the American market. Haviland became the dominant supplier of fine French porcelain to the United States for over a century, producing more than 30,000 documented patterns. The name is virtually synonymous with Limoges porcelain in the American market, and Haviland china remains one of the most widely collected categories of antique tableware.

History and Timeline

• 1842: David Haviland moves from New York to Limoges to control porcelain production for his American import business
• 1853: Establishes the first Haviland factory in Limoges
• 1864-1891: Sons Charles and Theodore join the business; Haviland & Co. becomes the leading exporter to America
• 1891: Theodore Haviland separates to establish his own firm (Theodore Haviland); creates two competing Haviland companies
• 1893: Charles Field Haviland (a separate branch) also produces in Limoges, adding to mark complexity
• 1936: Haviland & Co. reorganizes; production continues under various family and corporate structures
• 1941-1945: Production interrupted during World War II
• Post-war: Multiple Haviland entities continue; "Haviland" remains active as a brand today

Marks and Identification

• Two marks on most pieces: A whiteware mark (blank manufacturer) and a decorating mark (decorator)
• Haviland & Co.: The original David Haviland firm; most common marks in American collections
• Theodore Haviland: Separate firm after 1891; marks include "Theo. Haviland" and "Theodore Haviland"
• Charles Field Haviland (CFH/GDM): Related but distinct firm with its own marks
• Johann Haviland: Bavarian operation, not Limoges; less valuable than French production
• The "France" or "Limoges France" designation appears after 1891 (McKinley Tariff Act requirement)
• Pattern identification is critical; reference books by Arlene Schleiger catalog thousands of patterns

Pattern Categories

• Floral patterns: The vast majority; roses, violets, forget-me-nots, and mixed florals
• Gilt-banded: Simple or elaborate gold borders; formal and classic
• Drop Rose (Schleiger 55): Among the most popular and widely produced patterns
• Ranson (blank shape): A distinctive scalloped and embossed border shape
• Art Nouveau and Art Deco: Stylized designs from respective periods; less common than traditional florals
• Presidential services: Haviland produced White House china for multiple administrations

Auction Price Ranges

Condition Factors

• Gilt borders are the most vulnerable element; intact, bright gilding commands premiums
• Knife marks on dinner plates indicate use; heavily scratched surfaces diminish value
• Hairline cracks, even if not visible, can be detected by tapping; cracked pieces have minimal value
• Crazing is uncommon on Haviland hard-paste porcelain; its presence suggests unusual stress
• Complete services with all original pieces are worth far more than assembled sets of matching patterns
• Staining in crazing lines or age-related discoloration reduces appeal

Collecting Tips

• With over 30,000 patterns, Haviland collecting rewards the specialist who focuses on specific periods, shapes, or decoration types
• Pattern identification is essential; invest in Schleiger's reference books or consult the Haviland Collectors International Foundation
• Common floral patterns are abundantly available and affordable; rare patterns or unusual forms command premiums
• Theodore Haviland pieces are generally valued comparably to Haviland & Co. pieces of similar quality
• Johann Haviland (Bavarian) is a separate, less valuable product line often confused with Limoges Haviland
• The market for standard Haviland dinner services has declined as formal dining has waned; this creates buying opportunities
• Hand-painted and artist-decorated pieces are valued above factory-decorated examples