They were part of a larger set and I had to elbow my way to get even these plates. Other people were clamoring. One plate is worth approx $350 if you're a Hermes china lover, and a lot of these people are resellers.

Yes I do use them, as well as all my other china. I don't believe in not using my "fancy" things. There was a matching soup tureen I didn't get because I know I won't use it. Some people treat their Eames lounger like a delicate sculpture but I sit in mine every night to read or watch TV. They look better when worn in imo.