After assuming ownership of Spode in 1833, Copeland and Garrett continued to offer the classic "Cabbage" pattern seen on this dinner plate.  While the inspiration had originated in the export wares found among the British aristocracy, by this time the quiet sophistication of "Cabbage" and other classic patterns had become Spode trademarks. 

The pattern takes advantage of the ability of Spode's stone body to emulate the slightly gray-blue tint of the body often found among Chinese goods.  The decoration follows an oriental formula of both subject and asymmetrical arrangement. 

The light blue transfer pattern consists of a prominent, heavily textured leaf -- nicknamed "Cabbage" among the Staffordshire workmen, -- highlighted in deep red enamel and gilt.  A cluster of smaller blossoms, highlighted in varying shades of rust and pink with green leaves surrounds this leaf.  The plate is bordered with a tight band of blue and rust from which hang multiple sprigs of gnarled vine softened by additional little rust, pink and green blossoms. Additional finishing details are executed in gilt throughout the pattern. 

In his 1970 work, Spode, A History Of The Family, Factory And Wares From 1733 To 1833 (p.191,194), Leonard Whiter includes a discussion of Spode's Stone China, noting that the body was introduced between 1813 and 1814.  The impressed mark references the 1822 introduction of an improved body which Spode labeled "New Stone." This mark continues from 1822 past the transfer to the Copeland and Garrett partnership. Whiter postulates that pieces  found with both the impressed mark and the Copeland and Garrett backstamp date from the time of the transfer (1833) until approximately 1835.

The inclusion of  "late" in the mark should not be interpreted in any negative sense. This was a common way for a potter to acknowledge his predecessor after buying an existing pot works.  

While among Spode's earliest stone china patterns, "Cabbage," along wih the third version of "Peacock" (No. 2118),  was among the longest running patterns in the Spode offerings.  "Peacock" remained in production until 1963; "Cabbage" was still in production as late as 1970.  Whiter further reports that, unlike many patterns, "Cabbage" was made without design alterations at least through the transfer of ownership to Copeland and Garrett in 1833. ( In contrast, seventeen variations of "Peacock" were introduced in the same period.)

Additional "Cabbage" pattern pieces  available on the the Seekers website are shown in the final photo.