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October 8th, 2007 by Just Glass Oline Staff

Haviland China began its history as a trading company in the 1830s in New York City. The partner, David Haviland, specialized in French and English table settings.

In the 1840s Mr. Haviland left New York for France, looking for a place to start his own business focused on a passion for porcelain.

By 1855 his porcelan company was up and running with as much technology and know-how as he could find.

In particular, Haviland was the first to utilize limoge blanks, saving a great deal of time and money (something with which high-brow china aficionados took great umbrage).

No matter the early critique, his factory gained distinction in France, and by 1865 began producing American and English patterns too. By this time the plant had grown by leaps and bounds, and started making what would become a hugely successful pattern called Ranson.

It was also during this period that Haviland created the Hayes Service for the White House for just over $3,000.00. This unique set based on a series of paintings can be currently viewed at the Smithsonian.

In 1879 when elder Haviland passed away, the two sons created two separate companies, one remaining Haviland & Co, and the second called Haviland Limoges.

The base company was more successful in that it tied itself to retailers who got their names placed on large orders. Among these clients we find Macys as one example.

From that point forward a variety of problems besieged the two companies including death, fire, and the stock market crash, leading to the closing in 1931. Ah, but the story doesn’t add there.

The Limoges end of the company was left to Theoore’s son who reopened the company in 1942 producing some very well-received patterns like Clinton, Appleblossom, and Rosalinde.

By the time the family retired the business in 1972, its estimated that this company produced 60,000 patterns.

Haviland collectors and patterns are available for your perusal by visiting the Haviland Online Site.