Tussie Mussie Spode Show House + Shop
the only online china shop dedicated to new Spode
3, Bridge Street, Hatherleigh, Devon, EX20 3HU. Tel/Fax: +44 (0) 1837 811280
We're open Tuesday to Saturday, 10.00 am to 5.00 pm + 24/7 on the Web!
Web: www.onlyspode.com; email: Pam Hodgkinson

Catalog Front | BLUE ROOM | GIFTWARE | WOODLAND | BLUE ITALIAN
POOH etc | INFORMAL DINING | CHRISTMAS/ANNUALS | TABLEWARE | SIGNATURES
Page updated - February 13, 2007

Town Web Site
Primary School
Find us

Please don't change the subject line in the above link. Thank you.

All Spode Trade Marks and copyrights are acknowledged. Otherwise all site content is copyright Tussie Mussie.

Q/A Page

OnlySpode.com generates a lot of interesting questions. Thanks for your emails. Here are some answers we hope are constructive.

For information about caring for your Spode, see also Care Booklet

For identifying/matching/valuing discontinued Spode patterns see Matching

1. What is the value of ...?
   
   Pam Says: I am an 'expert' in new Spode but I cannot posibly value 'old' Spode. This requires an antiques expert. You should approach a reputable dealer or auctioneer, or simply offer it for sale. Do you really want to know? If, like us, you see the value of Spode in its tradition, manufacture and above all in its beauty and usefulness, then a financial valuation may be pointless, or even disappointing. Having said that, seek expert help if you need insurance cover.
   
   

2. Can you replace ... ?
   
   Pam Says: Yes, if it's current but probably not if it's discontinued. Spode, like all china manufacturers, updates its product line continually. Some patterns stay for ever, but some become discontinued and there is no way to avoid that. There are lots of sites that specialise in helping you find discontinued items, or in matching patterns. Some are listed on our useful links page and on our matching page. Please try these. Or search the web. Or look in the small advertisements of any collectors' or antiques' magazine - there are always lots of people offering to help.
   
   eBay always has lots of Spode on offer ... but remember 'caveat emptor'!
   

3. What pattern is this ...?
   
   Pam Says: The Spode Museum is better at answering this type of question. Email spodemuseum@spode.co.uk or browse the Pattern History page of www.spode.co.uk where you'll find a growing archive of information.
   

4. I have a pattern with the (following inscription) on the back. Can you get any more pieces for me?
   
   Pam Says: Spode has - and still does - make MANY items to special commission. For example for a commemorative event or a company anniversary or a regimental celebration. It will not be possible to replace these items except at vast expense. Better to search the Web. Good hunting!
   
   
5. My plate doesn't have a number. Does this mean it is more/not so valuable?
   
   Pams Says: Spode often omits numbers - sometimes by mistake I think, or because a piece was part of a prototype batch. It's of no consequence so far as I know and adds to the hand-made charm of this unique English factory.
   
   
6. My plate has (these numbers/letters) on the back. What do they mean?
   
   Pam Says: This is one of the more intriguing aspects of Spode. Some refer to patterns, some to dates, some to a batch and some even to a person. It is best not to read too much into them at first though a real expert (probably someone from the production line) may be able to understand them. But with 70,000 patterns in the archives, it's difficult to be sure in many cases.
   
   

7. Can I put my Spode in the dishwasher/microwave/oven?
   
   Pam Says: Always treat your Spode with care. For best results wash by hand. However, recently-manufactured pieces are dishwasher-safe if marked thus on the back. Check with your salesperson if you have any doubts and please always use low detergent liquids.
   
   There's a lovely little booklet called CARING FOR YOUR TABLEWARE that tells you all you need to know. For older pieces, hand washing is essential - or at least do some tests first. Never take any chances with something as nice as Spode, especially an heirloom.
   
   Most pieces are microwave safe, THOUGH NOT IF METALLED i.e. with gold or platinum decorations.
   
   Cookware is obviously oven-safe.
   
   PLEASE READ CARING FOR YOUR TABLEWARE
   

8. What is a Tussie Mussie?
   
   Pam said: A tussie mussie was an small Elizabethan bouquet made up of flowers, herbs and such like. It was used originally like a pomain to repel noxious smells, but later became something of a message bearer. So there is a language - the message is contained in the choice of herbs and flowers. You can say 'thank you', or 'I love you' etc etc. The word has disappeared from common use in England (except in some flower work), but in USA, Canada, Australia and NZ there are thousands of companies offering flowers, bridal services, hotels and guest houses with this name. We started on the Web calling ourselves Tussie Mussie, but it was impossible to get above no. 80 in the Search Engines, so we changed the web name to OnlySpode.com! (BTW We also have the RealName 'OnlySpode' as well)
   
   Because the village knows us as 'Tussie Mussie' we decided to keep that name for the shop.
   

9. We have inherited a Spode Royal Jade Monkey. We were wondering what its value as a collectable is. I have seen a similar style Spode clown valued at seventy- five pounds. Would the monkey be of similar value? How collectable is it?
   
   Pam Said: We focus on new Spode here so I am not sure about this product. However, there are some monkey items in the Spode museum at the factory in Stoke on Trent. Which means you may have something special, but I don't know. I have a book with monkey items in it. They date from the mid 1800s or earlier. There's a drummer, a hurdy gurdy man and a 'Monkey's Party Feast' with five monkeys. Is yours like these? On value, I always recommend that people seek help from an antiques expert or a reputable auction house which deals with ceramics.
   spodemuseum@spode.co.uk is always interested to hear about unusual items and may be able to help.
   
   As always with art, ask yourself the question - "Do I like it? Do I want to display it? Do I want to use it?" Remember there are two values: one is the price someone else will pay to buy; the other is personal. Understand which view is important to you and stick to it. Having said that, a real collector's item should always be properly insured.
   

10. My china pattern is Spode's Blue Italian. Recently I discovered that the pattern has been in continuous production since around 1816. I was wondering if you knew of a place that might have pieces dating back to the 1800's?
    
    Pam Said: There are main two places in England that have huge collections of old Spode. One is the Spode Factory Museum in Stoke on Trent, in the Midlands, where most of the Potteries have been for three hundred years. The other is only open a couple of times a year as it is the private family home of the Copelands and is in Trelissick, Cornwall. Otherwise it's a case of ringing any Museums in your area and asking who keeps collections. If, however, you mean you want to buy some old pieces, then it's a case of hunting round auctions and sale rooms. An exciting hunt. Hope you find something special.
    

11. I've been left a set of Camilla Blue china. Where can I find some more?
    
    Pam Said:My previous answer was "I'm sorry but I can't help you as Spode only manufactures that design in Camilla Pink." But, good news: in February 2002, Camilla Blue was reintroduced and is now in stock. It is the most delicate blue and is delightful.
    

12. My aunt has some Spode Wildflower. Is it still obtainable?
    
    Pam Said: I do not have any information about the wildflower pattern you mention. If it has Copeland Spode on the back, it is a pattern from the past. Copeland's name was withdrawn in 1970 when the old Spode name was brought back for the bi-centennial of the original Spode factory. There are 70,000 patterns in the Spode archives and I only deal with current pieces. Your best bet is to approach an auctioneer with a ceramics expert or try spodemuseum@spode.co.uk. Or, try an ad in a glossy magazine that has relevant sections. Sorry I can't help more.
    

13. I have a lovely china six place setting and I am trying to find out more about the maker for insurance purposes. Do you know anything of a British woman named Anna Beulah Parker (or Parkes). We can only trace the dishes back in our family for 150 years or so. Any help you can give is greatly appreciated. The back of my china dishes reads in its entirety: Sovereign Canada British Empire Made A Creation of Anna Beulah Parker 739 - 40. The set includes: 6 plates and 1 platter, 1 large round serving bowl, 6 small bowls, 6 cups and 6 saucers, 6 side plates. The pattern is as follows: Black background with white pointed tipped flowers and each flower has a red dot in the middle. They belonged to my Great Grandmother who was originally from Bristol, England.
    
    Pam Said: I am sorry but I do not know of the lady potter/artist you mentioned. That name is not listed in my ceramics books and is presumably nothing to do with Spode. Your best bet is to locate an auctioneer near you who deals with old ceramics, porcelain etc. - or a reputable antiques dealer. Sorry I can't help further. If anyone reading this knows the answer I am happy to pass it on.
    

14. I live in an earthquake zone. Is there anything I can do to protect my Spode in its hutch from a trembler?
    
    Pam Said: We don't have much experience of this in UK! Have you tried your local suppliers? Maybe they know something. You could wrap your pieces in foam rubber but that kinda spoils the effect! Nothing can stop Spode being broken if it falls from a great height, or is shaken hard. If the risk is really high I would pack my Spode carefully in a box and keep it in the basement.
    

15. Rural Country. Do you know what it was or when it was produced?
    
    Pam Said: It's so difficult to answer this kind of question. Even today Spode brings out new designs every year. Actually they are not so new: they are generally old patterns which have been given a new look. So it's not easy to look back over even just 20 years and analyse what happened. There is still a Blue Room collection of 6 plates called Country Scenes but only in blue and white. Your best bet would be to contact an auctioneer having a ceramics expert or to try an ad in a magazine under 'matching china patterns'. Good Luck.
    

16. I am loooking for Durrow? I have an incomplete set which I would like to make up. Can you supply it? It's mustard-coloured.
    
    Pam Said: Unfortunately, no. I have never heard of it, or the Iona you also mentioned. They are not current designs so all I can suggest is ... keep looking! Auctions, antique shops and magazines are sources. The Internet is another? Good hunting!