Antioch company creating Obama china
Whether it’s campaign buttons, posters, historic front pages of newspapers or bobblehead dolls, it seems anything with an image of President-elect Barack Obama is a hot collectible.
E-bay power-sellers are saying “Yes we can,” when it comes to making some dough off our new president.
But maybe you’re looking for something with a little more class, more presidential, if you will. A local manufacturer of fine china with a historic link to the White House has rolled out a line of limited-edition Obama inaugural plates and gifts.
The Antioch-based Pickard China company has been busy designing and producing pieces since election day.
“These items are flying off our shelves,” said company President Andrew Pickard Morgan. “There’s a big demand for any Obama-related pieces.”
Pickard is selling bowls, cake plates, desk trays, mint dishes and small ornaments. Some pieces are trimmed with 24k gold paint; all feature the official inaugural seal as the centerpiece.
The company’s connection to Washington, D.C. goes back to World War II when it produced gravy boats as part of the war effort for the U.S. Navy. Originally a Chicago company, Pickard China started in 1893. It moved to Antioch in 1930.
In 1977, Pickard was chosen by the U.S. State Department to provide the official china service used at all U.S. embassies. Pickard also produces custom china for Air Force One, Camp David and Blair House. That’s not to mention two of its other customers – the Queen of England and the King of Saudi Arabia.
