One Mans Trash…

Jake returned from his tour in Vietnam on January 31, 1969 and proceeded directly into the arms of his high school sweetheart Jackie. Several months later they were married and began building their life together. Like most newlyweds, they were long on needs and short on cash, so every Saturday they would visit the local thrift shops searching for items to furnish their new home. It was on one such excursion to a Salvation Army store that Jackie’s keen eye spotted a plate, cup and saucer that she had to have.

The set was made of fine bone china edged in what appeared to be gold leaf. A picture of what could only be the White House was displayed in the center of the plate. The cup and saucer carried the embossed eagle symbol of the United States. When Jackie turned each piece over, she saw the numbers 1811 followed by the initials D. M., which she thought was probably the manufacturer’s mark. These items would be the perfect centerpiece to display in the hutch Jake had just finished restoring. Jake could never seem to say no to Jackie when she really wanted something so they left the shop with the china.

It has been said that time is a thief and for the happy couple this was especially true. One minute they were newlyweds and the next they were confronting retirement. Faced with a drastic reduction in income they reluctantly came to the realization that downsizing was the only way they could survive the so called “golden years”. The couple decided to start with an auction and what didn’t sell would be placed in a yard sale. After the yard sale the remaining items would go to the Salvation Army to maybe help some young couple just starting out.

Jake remained in touch with an old army buddy who was in the antique appraisal and auction business, so he asked for his help. Most of the items Jake and Jackie had accumulated over their life together had a lot of sentimental value but not a lot of cash value. Jake’s friend wandered through the house placing approximate values on the items to be auctioned when he stopped directly in front of the plate, cup, and saucer. He gingerly inspected each item with great care, set the last piece down, and asked, “Do you know what you have here?”

Puzzled, both replied no and Jake blurted out, “Just an old place setting, right?”

“Well, you’re half right, it is old. In 1811 Dolly Madison commissioned a new set of china to replace the chipped and cracked White House china. It was put into service three days before the start of the War of 1812. When the British and Canadian forces conquered D.C. they occupied the White House just long enough to enjoy a meal on this very china. After the supper was over they set fire to the house and all its’ contents. The First Lady organized a crew to salvage as many valuable items as was possible, including the portrait of George Washington. The dishes were left behind. Until today only five pieces were known to exist, now there are eight. At auction these should bring at least $500,000.”

At first the old couple were speechless, then Jackie began to sob knowing that their future was finally secure. Jake, sporting a huge grin said, “I guess the old saying is true, ‘One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.’ ”