In 1861, Mary Todd Lincoln ordered an elaborate porcelain dinnerware set for the White House from the French firm Haviland and Company, placing the order through New York's Haughwout & Company. Known for its rich purple-red hue, the set became commonly referred to as the "Solefino" service. This set remained in use well beyond the Lincoln presidency, with additional pieces ordered during the administrations of Andrew Johnson, Ulysses S. Grant, and Chester Arthur. Notably, in 1873, during Grant’s presidency, Julia Grant ordered 275 replacement pieces, including 72 cups and saucers. Manufactured by Haviland & Company, these porcelain pieces were imported and retailed by J. W. Boteler & Brother of Washington, D.C. The soup bowl shown here dates to Grant's presidency.