English Bone China - History & Hallmarks

Have you ever wondered where bone china got it's name?  Josiah Spode is credited for originating bone china about 1800 in England. The basic formula for bone china has remained the same for two centuries and consists of (6) parts bone ash, (4) parts china stone and (3 1/2) parts china clay. Bone china has many desirable attributes. It is easy to make, does not easily chip and produces a lovely white ivory color.

Josiah Spode began producing pottery in 1761. His early pottery was called creamware because it was a delicate cream-colored earthenware. In the mid 1780's he began making a fine white-glazed earthenware called pearlware which was often covered with a blue transfer print. In the early 1800's Spode pottery took on the simple elegance of the Regency period and often used topgraphical views using a type of transfer printing known as the bat-printing technique. Henry Daniel, of Spode developed new decorating techniques such as enamelling, lustre decoration and basalts. Spode continued to be a dynamic force in the manufacturer of fine bone china. Spode and the later Spode Copeland Hallmarks are helpful tools in identifying the age of a piece of Spode china. The single word SPODE is indicative of china made circa 1780-90.

Spode Regent Y6941 
Rare Ruby Bone China Trio
3 Sets Available Contact:mirikitani@sbcglobal.net 

Replacements.com none available
ChinaSearch store offers the 3-pc set in very good condition for $74.00 BPS (about $148.00 USD) 

The Adams family had potteries in Staffordshire as early as 1650. At that date two brothers, William and Thomas had separate ventures in Burslem. Today, William Adams and Company, with large potteries in Tunstall is managed by members who are the 11th and 12th generations in direct descent from the original 17th century Adams of Burslem. Read more about the Adams China Co. history in this comprehensive article.

This ironstone plate is Calyx Ware and is in the Ming Toi pattern. The impressed mark ADAMS was used between 1845-1964. Based on the hallmark on the back, this plate is dated pre -1965. This bread and butter plate sells for $9.99 on Replacements.com  This plate is available for purchase and is deeply discounted due to the loss of transfer on the rim. $2.99 plus shipping.