Expert: Martin G Roberts - 6/25/2007

Question
I have a base metal (not iron, pewter or silver) british design teapot with a large hallmark written on the bottom and written in arabic. As learning Arabic at the moment is not an option might you have any leads on whom I may ask for advice on finding origin and value?

Answer
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Teapots in pewter of the Queen Anne style (bellied shape, with a tall domed lid) were made in England (especially Birmingham) into the early 20th Century. These very late teapots were often exported to the Middle East and other Arabic speaking areas, where they can still be found today. Some were marked with Arabic characters.

I do not recall seeing examples in metals other than pewter, though I guess British Plate and the like would be possible alternatives. If there is a seam around the belly, then it is cast, and is almost certainly pewter.

Value just a few tens of dollars, if in good condition.

Martin
www.antique-metalware.co.uk