Expert: Martin G Roberts - 9/19/2006

Question
I fell in love with the look of this old teapot in a shop so I bought it. I finally thought to turn it over.  It is engraved? stamped? (thee 'writing' is deeply indented into the metal) as follows.
L Tyler Sheffield
4   2 pints
1495
So I thought 1495 might be the pattern number, Sheffield the place of origin.  Right?  Would L. Tyler be the maker?  
I appreciate your kindness in replying.  I'm curious.  So, thank you in advance, and my regards!

Answer
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Well done - you are bang on. I Tyler (not an L, the I was a late use of that letter for J, his name was John) was active 1836-69. The marks are punch incised (technically, that's called 'incuse') with dies.

4 is probably the workbench within the workshop where the teapot was assembled.