Real or Repro?

Q: I am an appraiser in Boca Raton, Florida. I am doing an appraisal of a pair of Spode vases purchased in the 1960s. I noticed the hallmark on my vases has an “s” at the end of the word Copeland. I do not find this in any hallmark books. Do I have a reproduction?

A: No. It is real. This mark was used by W.T. Copeland of Stoke, Staffordshire, England, starting about 1891. William Taylor Copeland and a partner took over the pottery at Spode Works in 1833. In 1847 W.T. Copeland became the sole owner. The company is still in business, operating as W. T. Copeland and Sons Ltd.