Boehm, 1913-1969, started the Boehm Porcelain Studio in 1950 and acquired Osso China Company in 1953. This allowed him to be able to control all phases from design to manufacturing of his drawings and sculptures in New Jersey and England. One of the highlights of his firm was making, on commission by the United States of America, a pair of swans with a wingspan of six feet that was the official gift of President Richard M Nixon to Chairman Mao on his historic visit to China in 1972. One of the largest public displays of the studio's creations is at the John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington DC. Over 150 bird sculptures are housed there in display cabinets. Worldwide, his porcelains are in the permanent collections of over 134 major museums. In 1992, The Vatican named one of its thirteen museums in his honor. He is the only American so honored. All of the others are named for popes or members of royalty.

The plates are marked on the reverse:







The following are the years of release and the names of the birds:

                                                                1970        Wood Thrush
                                                                1971        Goldfinch
                                                                1972        Mountain Bluebird
                                                                1973        Meadowlark
                                                                1974        Rufous Hummingbird
                                                                1975        American Redstart
                                                                1976        Cardinal
                                                                1977        Robin
                                                                1978        Mockingbirds
                                                                1979        Golden-Crown Kinglets
                                                                1980        Black-Throated Blue Warbler
                                                                1981        Eastern Phoebe

These plates are available year around. Be patient. All items in the series will be available over time. From time to time there are complete sets offered for sale. Be prepared to pay a premium for these, however, as some sellers want to be compensated additionally for assembling their sets. These plates are made to the high standards that we have come to expect of Lenox and they are a stunningly beautiful set.

In addition to their display-case life, they can be used as a spectacular charger for your very formal dinner parties. Hopefully, your guests will understand that these are for presentation and not for eating.

If these will spend most of their lives inside a box, take them out periodically (annually?) with your children for a "wipedown" with a clean cloth. Your children will develop an attachment for them as they hear and see you talk about them. They will also learn the importance of proper care, handling and storage of collectibles. A valuable lesson for all of us.

Please let me know if you have any questions or comments.

I am not a dealer and I do not sell.

Ralph Vaughan