WHAT IS SPODE? Spode is a brand of china that was first made in the 1770s in Stoke-on-Trent, England. The company made — and continues to make — many patterns, but when the name is mentioned, many people think of the popular Christmas Tree pattern that was designed in 1938 by Harold Holdway for the American market.

Is Spode made in the UK?

Spode is an English brand of pottery and homewares produced by the company of the same name, which is based in Stoke-on-Trent, England.

Where is Spode china manufactured?

While the original factory is no longer in production, Spode production has once again been moved back to Stoke-on-Trent, England, where many of the beautiful types of vintage and antique transferware we love have been made for centuries.

Is Spode Christmas china still made in England?

Spode Christmas Tree pattern was made in England until 2006, when production was moved to Malaysia. Wedgwood china is also no longer made in the UK, but in Malaysia and the brand has suffered in quality, reputation and esteem as a luxury brand item as a result.

Is Spode china or porcelain?

Spode porcelain, porcelain introduced about 1800 in the factory of Josiah Spode and Josiah Spode II at Stoke-upon-Trent, Staffordshire, Eng. This hybrid porcelain—combining the ingredients of hard-paste porcelain (china clay and china stone) and bone ash—became the standard English bone china.

How do you identify Spode china?

The Most Common Spode Markings When the company first started, pieces were not always marked and sometimes you’ll just find a pattern with no backstamp. It’s worth noting, though, that most painted marks are red, sometimes blue, or black was used too. This marking is a printed backstamp c1835-45.

Is Spode china now made in China?

WHAT IS SPODE? Spode is a brand of china that was first made in the 1770s in Stoke-on-Trent, England. … And nowadays some pieces are made in other countries, including China.

Does Spode china contain lead?

#Leaded: Spode “Delamere Blue” China This Spode brand yellow “Delamere Blue” pattern china (Made in England) was positive for lead when tested with an XRF instrument. It came in at 47,500 ppm lead (+/- 1,500 ppm).

Is Spode china worth anything?

Spode ceramics, like many valuable Staffordshire pottery pieces, are produced in a variety of body types, styles, patterns, and ceramic formulas. These quality ceramics hold their value well and increase in value with care over time as collectibles. … Collect antique and vintage Spode in complete sets whenever possible.

Does Spode Christmas china contain lead?

Lead (Pb): 71,900 +/- 3,500 ppm Mercury (Hg): Non-Detect (ND / negative) Arsenic (As): Non-Detect (ND / negative)

Article first time published on

Which is better bone china or porcelain?

High quality fine bone china contains at least 30% bone ash, enabling thin, walled pieces to be made with a more delicate appearance and translucency compared to porcelain, and allowing for greater chip resistance and durability. … It also has warmer hues, whereas porcelain tends to be brighter.

When did Spode factory close?

Spode’s factory was in continuous production from 1774 to 2008, when it finally closed (although the brand was subsequently purchased by Portmeirion, who continue to make Spode branded wares at their own factory in Stoke).

Is Spode china hand painted?

An early heart-shaped in dish in Bone China decorated with Pattern number 319 c. 1803. Hand painted and finely gilded in an understated Georgian style and emphasizing the whiteness of the Bone China body, at the time superior to that of any English competitor.

Where is Spode and Wedgewood made?

But Spode, which is still operating from its original site in Stoke-on-Trent (at least for now), has played a pivotal role in the manufacturing of English china, and has created some of the finest ceramics ever known.

Can Spode china go in dishwasher?

Cleaning Your Tableware All Portmeirion’s earthenware and Porcelain tableware is easy to clean either using a dishwasher or by hand using conventional hand-wash detergents.

Why does tea taste better in bone china?

However, there are valid reasons why a thin-walled cup i.e. bone chine, which tend to be white may offer a better taste experience than a thick-walled one (i.e. pottery, which may be any colour) and that is to do with the delivery of the tea to the taste buds. Simply, tea needs to be piping hot.

Can you microwave Spode china?

For best results, Spode recommends that any of its ware (china, imperialware, vitreous) not marked as dishwasher safe, be hand washed only. … Microwaves and Ovens Spode cookware is ideally suited for cooking purposes, but imperialware and bone china should not be used in this way.

Is Spode china marked?

Not all of the early pieces of Copeland Spode China are marked—some contain only a simple hand painted pattern number under the glaze. This number is often written in red and shouldn’t be confused with the date marks impressed in pieces from the late 1800s through 1963.

What is china made from?

In the most basic terms, china is a combination of clay, kaolin, feldspar, and quartz. It’s fired up in a kiln and it almost always needs to be hand-washed due to some of its more delicate accents, like gold rimming or hand-painted patterns. Some other important facts: China is not porcelain.

How do I know if my china is valuable?

Look on the bottom of saucers, dishes and cups for hallmarks or monograms. Just because ceramic china dinnerware looks old, it doesn’t mean that it’s valuable. Spider cracks in glaze coats can happen during the firing process and not just come from age, which makes spidering a questionable identification technique.

How old is Spode?

Spode dates back to 1770, according to the Spode website, when Josiah Spode I started the company in Stoke-on-Trent in England. He entered the world of pottery at the age of 16, and showed an immediate knack for the trade, working for well-known potters like Thomas Whieldon, before opening his own business.

What is Spode dinnerware?

Spode is an English brand of dinnerware and homewares started in 1770 and still in operation today. They are renowned for bone china, but have included other pottery, stoneware, and earthenware pieces since their start.

Is Spode china safe?

This Spode brand Blue Chintz pattern china (Made in England) was positive for lead when tested with an XRF instrument. … For context: the amount of lead that is considered unsafe in a newly manufactured item intended for children is 90 ppm in the coating or 100 ppm in the substrate.

Is Spode dinnerware safe?

At 25 ppm Lead (and with that level found only in the darkest blue elements of this Spode plate) this dish falls well within that standard and would be considered safe by ALL standards (including if we were to consider it an “item intended for use by children” – which regulatory agencies do not.)

What dishes do not contain lead?

  • Corelle Winter Frost White Dinnerware Set.
  • Euro Ceramica Zanzibar Dinnerware Set.
  • Amazon Basics White Kitchen Dinnerware Set.
  • Sweese Porcelain Dinner Plates.

Is Spode Christmas Tree discontinued?

Spode’s Christmas Tree pattern was born. … The inscription was discontinued* after 1938 but over the following years the Christmas Tree pattern developed into whole table services and extra serving pieces.

Can Spode Christmas dishes go in the microwave?

Spode – Classic Christmas Tree Design Earthenware Dinner Plates (Set of 4, 10.5″) – Microwave and Dishwasher Safe.

Where is Spode Blue Italian manufactured?

The majority of pieces are made in the heartland of the potteries, Stoke-on-Trent, just 500 metres from the original Spode site. Twenty two pairs of hands make Blue Italian at the factory in Stoke-on-Trent.

Is bone china still made in England?

Home. Creating elegant fine bone china and fine porcelain at its Staffordshire factory since 1970, Roy Kirkham Fine Bone China is steeped in the rich heritage of English ceramics.

Is bone china ethical?

Bone china comes from burnt bone ash and a piece of bone china crockery, like a teacup, can contain anywhere between 35-50% bone ash and residue. That makes it practically animal based. … There is nothing ethical about acquiring bone china and it hasn’t been for a long time.

Does bone china scratch easily?

Over time, your beloved bone white china plates can become scratched and stained with use. You might be debating whether to throw them out but be loathe to part with your treasured wedding china or much-loved family items.