I have a set of china with 12 full place settings and many serving pieces. The mark is copeland-spode-england-r4No. 629599-Chinese Rose. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

-- Frances E. Matzen (uptown@flash.net), September 30, 1999

Answers

The "Spode" on your service refers to Josiah Spode, who, in 1770, began manufacturing porcelain at his pottery in Stoke-on-Kent, England. This business was purchased by Thomas Garrett and William Copeland in 1833 (which meant a new mark for the product). Then Copeland, in 1847, became the sole owner and came out with yet another mark; I believe yours - "Copeland Spode" - refers to this period.

Unfortunately, I can find no listing for "Chinese Rose," and prices vary greatly according to age and pattern. "Lyle Official Antiques Review 1999" (Berkley Publishing Group, 375 Hudson Street, New York, N.Y., 10014, $15.95, paperback), however, mentions 12 Spode Copeland service plates, Twentieth Century, 10 1/4 inch diameter, which sold at Skinner for $690.

-- Liza Montgomery (liza@thebee.com), October 11, 1999.