Brand = Spode
Pattern = Christmas Tree (S3324)
Total # Pieces = 68
Total # Item Types = 17
Condition = like new/excellent, some pieces may have been used once, majority of pieces new/unused, only 5 minor imperfections across whole set (described below and circled in pictures)
Country of Manufacture:
England = 60 pieces (88%)
China = 8 pieces (12%)
Year of Manufacture:
1985-1999 = 45 pieces (66%)
2000-2014 = 23 pieces (34%)
(10) 3.5" Teacups, Englandâ 1990: I, 1991: II, 1992: II, 1993: II, 1995: I, 1999: I, 2001: I, (1) has small paint chip (pictured)
(11) Teacup saucers, Englandâ 1989: I, 1991: II, 1992: III, 1993: III, 1995: I, 1999: I, 2003: I, (1) has small paint chip (pictured)
(3) 3" Mugs, Englandâ 1995: II, 1996: I
(1) Tall mug, China, Porcelainâ 2013
(4) 6" Small bowls, Englandâ 1993: II, 1996: II
(8) 6.5" Plates, Englandâ 1988: I, 1995: I, 1996: II, 2003: IIII, (1) has small paint chip (pictured)
(10) 7.5â Plates, Englandâ 1995: I, 1996: I, 1997: I, 1998: I, 2000: III, 2003: III
(10) 10.5" Plates, Englandâ 1990: I, 1991: I, 1992: IIII, 1993: II, 1999: I, 2003: I
(1) 11" Scalloped square serving plate, Englandâ 1985
(1) 10" Deep square dish, China, Porcelainâ 2010
(1) 11" Scalloped oval serving bowl, Englandâ 2003
(2) 12" Oval serving bowls, China, Porcelainâ 2010: I, 2014: I
(1) 15" Three-compartment serving tray, China, Porcelainâ 2014
(1) Spoon rest, China, Porcelainâ 2007
(1) Butter dish, Englandâ 2003, (1) small chip (pictured)
(1) Mint tray, Englandâ 1998
(2) Oven mitts, unknown country of originâ unknown year, mild yellowing on square mitt (pictured)
Spode Christmas Tree Dinnerware Set (68 Pieces)
Overview:
This is a substantial and charming 68-piece collection from Spodeâs iconic âChristmas Treeâ pattern line (Pattern Code: S3324), featuring a decorated evergreen tree with gifts underneath, holly sprigs, and green trim. This pattern is beloved for holiday table settings and has been in continuous production since its introduction in 1938.
Manufacturer:
Spode (England and China)
Pattern:
Spode Christmas Tree (S3324)
Date of Manufacture:
The set ranges from 1985 to 2014, with approximately 66% made between 1985â1999, and the remainder from 2000â2014.
Country of Manufacture:
Set Composition (68 Pieces, 17 Types):
Condition:
Historical Significance & Desirability:
Spodeâs âChristmas Treeâ pattern is one of the most recognizable and collected holiday dinnerware designs in the world. Its nostalgic motif and long production run make it highly desirable to collectors and seasonal decorators alike. Complete and near-complete sets in this condition are increasingly hard to find.
Current Market Value (USD):
Recommendations:
If you are considering selling, you can list this as a complete or near-complete set on specialized platforms like Replacements.com, eBay, Etsy, or through high-quality consignment shops. Providing detailed images and date breakdowns (as you've done) adds value and buyer trust.
If seeking a formal appraisal for insurance or estate purposes, a certified antiques appraiser with experience in 20th-century ceramics and holiday collectibles would be appropriate.
Hi @Charley, Thank you forâŠ
Hi @Charley,
Thank you for your time and for that information.
Do you by chance know what the material would likely be for the pieces that were manufactured in England between 1985-2003? I haven't been able to find any clarification online, and I've reached out to the Spode Museum/Stoke-on-Trent Archives, but no word yet. I was assuming the resale value would vary depending on what porcelain type the pieces were (bone china vs fine china vs regular porcelain...etc.) and that buyers of this type of thing would care/ask, but let me know if that's not really the case / if manufacturing year and country will likely be enough info for most buyers in your experience.
Second, it sounds like approaching Christmas would be a good selling time. Is there a certain divvying up of the pieces that you'd recommend for highest resale return? (Ex: Sell X as a set, sell Y individually).
Thank you -
Great questionsâhere's whatâŠ
Great questionsâhere's what I can tell you based on your Spode Christmas Tree set:
1. Material of England-Manufactured Spode (1985â2003)
Spode Christmas Tree dinnerware made in England during that time was most commonly produced using fine earthenware, not bone china. While bone china versions do exist, theyâre more often seen in special editions or sets made in later years or for specific export markets (especially to the U.S.).
Fine earthenware is heavier, slightly more opaque, and not as delicate as bone china. Unless it is explicitly marked "bone china" or âfine bone chinaâ (often found on the bottom stamp), it's safe to assume it's fine earthenware for this manufacturing period and location.
Most buyers do care about material if they are collectors or already own some of the set and want to match. For casual holiday tableware users, the country and year of manufacture (England vs. China, pre-2009 vs. post) are more critical to value and appeal.
2. Best Way to Sell for Highest Return
Yes, selling around October through early December is ideal, as people are preparing for holiday hosting or gift buying. Here's a suggested divvy-up strategy:
Sell as Sets (higher return overall, faster sale)
Sell Individually or in Pairs (higher per-piece price, slower sale)