Expert: Martin G Roberts - 8/24/2005

Question
hello i wonder if you can help me i was given some years ago a pewter teapot that i put in the attic and forgot about, i have recently found it again in my attic and wonder about its age, origin and value now . the information that is printed on the bottom of the  the teapot is a no:12 and a seperate 4 ,joseph haywood @ co, sheffield, 39439 , its quite plain ,has a small studded design on the lid and a fircone handle to lift lid , on the handle there is a white hard material ring near to the teapot. the bottom of the teapot has 4 feet that has some sort of fleur de leyes design cut into them, which when stood looks like the teapot is on a stand. i hope you can help and look forward to your reply.

Answer
Sheffield in Yorkshire, England, probably around 1890. The numbers indicate patterns and capacity (4 half pints). The white material (probably bone) insulates the handle. Value very little (<$50). Made of Britannia Metal (pewter that is fabricated rather than cast).