The LENOX Colonial Christmas Wreath Issue is one of the most spectacular decorative plate issues centered on a simple theme: The Christmas Wreath. This series begun in 1981 and ending in 1993 features the Original Thirteen Colonies as subjects and what their period wreaths made from existing plants at the time may have looked like. The plates are 10 3/4" in diameter, have an ivory background and are trimmed in 24kt gold. The top lift off box also holds a three-page pamphlet individualized for each issue.


The series was designed by Edward Marshall Boehm. Boehm started the Boehm Porcelain Studio in 1950. One of the highlights of his career 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 sculptures are housed there in display cabinets.

The reverse side of the plate reads:






The plates, their year of issue and their plants are:

                        1981      Virginia
                                                                 Pine cones, Cotton pods, Hollyberries, Yew and Mistletoe

                        1982      Massachusetts
                                                                 Indian corn, Pears, Pine cones, Blueberries, Juniper cones, Wild                                                                                      fennel, Cinnamon sticks, Radishes and Chestnuts

                        1983      Maryland
                                                                Apples, Grapes, Crimson beets and Boxwood boughs

                        1984      Rhode Island
                                                                Pine boughs, Red cherries, White clam shells, Wampum and  Blueberries

                        1985      Connecticut
                                                                Goldenrods, Mosses and Strawflowers

                        1986      New Hampshire
                                                                Red and yellow bittersweet, Blackberries, Ostrich fern, White Pine                                                                                     cones and Princess pine

                        1987      Pennsylvania
                                                                Mountain laurel, Lady apples and Pine cones

                        1988      Delaware
                                                                Pomegranates, Peaches, Lemons, Apples, Grapes and Pine cones

                        1989      New York
                                                                Wild onions, Beets, Parsnips, Grapes, Pears, Apples, Blackberries and                                                                           Chestnut branches

                        1990      New Jersey
                                                                Cranberries, Grapevine, American holly with berries and Red Cedar boughs

                        1991      South Carolina
                                                                Camellia japonica, Spanish moss and Pink Perfection camellia

                        1992      North Carolina
                                                                Magnolia, Dogwood, Quail feathers and Hemlock pine

                        1993      Georgia
                                                                Tea roses, Peach roses, Southern pecans and Painted palmettos


Occasionally, this set is offered as a complete collection. In a very rare coincidence in June 2008, there were three separate sets offered for $999, $1495 and $1595. All had boxes, documentation and were in excellent condition. Also in June 2008 there was a complete set available but without boxes for $595. Are the boxes worth $1000? It could depend upon whether or not your acquisition is for personal use or for resale.


LENOX was founded in 1889 as the Ceramic Art Company. In 1894, Walter Scott Lenox bought out his other founding partner. Twelve years later in 1906, he re-named the company, LENOX.

In 1918, President Woodrow Wilson ordered from LENOX the first official White House china to be made in the United States. Seventeen hundred pieces! (Prior to WW, previous administrations had ordered china from England.) That was a record until Nancy Reagan ordered almost five thousand pieces of LENOX china for the Ronald Reagan White House.

I am not a dealer and I do not sell.

Ralph Vaughan