One of the things I love most about antique plates is that they come in a variety of styles and patterns. There are no two alike and depending on the manufacturer they can be made using different materials or techniques. Spode china is a brand of bone china that is popular for its unique patterns.
It is not uncommon for antique enthusiasts to focus much of their attention on collecting a variety of Spode plates. Like with any type of brand you collect these had a particular style to them that made them unique when compared to others. Collectors are able to recognize their Italian blue and Chinese patterns. If this did not help than they could easily search for the Spode name imprinted on the bottom of the plate.
This particular plate was created by Josiah Spode in 1784. It is Josiah himself who created the process of bone china porcelain. This technique made porcelain much stronger then anything that had been created without making it heavy. It still had the quality of porcelain with the durability of most other types of regular dishes. Spode china is the oldest brand to use this technique.
The company became well known during his time and well respected by the wealthy people who sought to use china plates and dinnerware around their home. Although the company has since merged with other companies Spode plates are still being created and sold as valuable pieces.
Like with any type of bone chine this particular brand has been made in more than one hundred patterns. The one that people recognize and appreciate the most is the Italian blue that depicts various scenes and is surrounded by a Chinese pattern on the edge of the plate. The other popular colors that they are made in are green and pink.
Spode plates are one of the most highly sought after antique plates. Each one is valued based upon how rare it is and in what condition it is in. Although it is slightly stronger than average china plates, it is still fragile and can therefore crack and chop. This will reduce the value.