When President Pierce was elected, the U.S. Congress allocated $25,000 to him and his wife, Jane, for White House improvements. After purchasing a furnace and completing other building improvements, the Pierces selected a set of French Limoges china made by Haviland and Company. This sophisticated dinner service included a crest of blue and gold with a gold pointelle border. The Pierces selected five dozen dining plates and a host of elegant accoutrements for their service, at a total cost of $536.24 - quite a sizable sum in the 1850's.
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