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, England— 1990: I, 1991: II, 1992: II, 1993: II, 1995: I, 1999: I, 2001: I, (1) has small paint chip (pictured)
(11) Teacup saucers, England— 1989: I, 1991: II, 1992: III, 1993: III, 1995: I, 1999: I, 2003: I, (1) has small paint chip (pictured)
(3) 3" Mugs, England— 1995: II, 1996: I
(1) Tall mug, China, Porcelain— 2013
(4) 6" Small bowls, England— 1993: II, 1996: II
(8) 6.5" Plates, England— 1988: I, 1995: I, 1996: II, 2003: IIII, (1) has small paint chip (pictured)
(10) 7.5” Plates, England— 1995: I, 1996: I, 1997: I, 1998: I, 2000: III, 2003: III
(10) 10.5" Plates, England— 1990: I, 1991: I, 1992: IIII, 1993: II, 1999: I, 2003: I
(1) 11" Scalloped square serving plate, England— 1985
(1) 10" Deep square dish, China, Porcelain— 2010
(1) 11" Scalloped oval serving bowl, England— 2003
(2) 12" Oval serving bowls, China, Porcelain— 2010: I, 2014: I
(1) 15" Three-compartment serving tray, China, Porcelain— 2014
(1) Spoon rest, China, Porcelain— 2007
(1) Butter dish, England— 2003, (1) small chip (pictured)
(1) Mint tray, England— 1998
(2) Oven mitts, unknown country of origin— 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 Spode’s iconic “Christmas Tree” 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 1985–1999, and the remainder from 2000–2014.
Country of Manufacture:
Set Composition (68 Pieces, 17 Types):
Condition:
Historical Significance & Desirability:
Spode’s “Christmas Tree” 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 for…
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 questions—here's what…
Great questions—here's what I can tell you based on your Spode Christmas Tree set:
1. Material of England-Manufactured Spode (1985–2003)
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, they’re 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 “fine bone china” (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)