Skip to main content
Collections Menu
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Roosevelt White House Demitasse Cup
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.

Roosevelt White House Demitasse Cup

Artifact IDMO 1941.8.58.9
Object Type Cup, Demitasse
Maker (American manufacturing company, founded 1889)
Supplier (American china dealer, founded 1924)
Date1934
Mediumceramic (porcelain)
Dimensionsoverall H 2 1/4 in x W 3 1/4 in x D 2 1/2 in (5.7 cm x 8.3 cm x 6.4 cm )
Physical DescriptionA Lenox handled demitasse cup from the Franklin D. Roosevelt White House china service. On an ivory background, the pattern on the exterior rim of the cup consists of an upper border of gold stars on a gold-lined blue band, below which is a band of gold roses and feathers (inspired by the Roosevelt family crest). The Seal of the President of the United States in color is on the front of the cup.

On the underside of the cup, the manufacturer's and supplier's information is stamped in gold: THE WHITE HOUSE / 1934 / [Lenox logo] / LENOX / MADE IN U.S.A. / WM. H. PLUMMER & CO., LTD. / NEW YORK CITY.
Historical NoteAs a result of continued breakage of porcelain dinnerware at the White House over the years, First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt announced in November 1934 that a new set of Lenox china would be purchased. The set consisted of 1,722 pieces and cost $9,301.20. As part of her promotion to keep American workers employed during the difficult economic times, Lenox – located in Trenton, New Jersey – was chosen since it was an American manufacturing company. The pattern, designed after a general pattern suggested by President Roosevelt, includes a border of gold stars and the presidential seal in enamel colors on an ivory body. The stars are set against a band of marine blue (personal to the Roosevelts because of President Roosevelt's interest in nautical subjects) and complemented by an inner band of golden roses and feathers reminiscent of the Roosevelt family crest. Lenox worked overtime so that the large set of china would be completed in time for an important state dinner in January 1935. The service made its debut on January 24, 1935 at the annual dinner given for the heads of diplomatic missions in Washington. The set is still available for use at the White House to this day.

The FDR Library’s Museum collection contains a small sampling of pieces from the Lenox set (see MO 1941.8.58.1-19), of which this cup is a part of.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteDonated as a bequest of Franklin D. Roosevelt to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum in 1947.
Credit LineEstate of Franklin D. Roosevelt
National Archives Catalog CollectionFranklin D. Roosevelt Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 735948)
National Archives Catalog SeriesGift Items and Commemorative Artifacts (National Archives Identifier 782690)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - PossiblyCopyrightCopyright or other proprietary rights may be held by individuals or entities other than the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum. The Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum does not warrant that the use of materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.
In Collection(s)
Not on view