How can you tell if a teapot is antique?

While a teapot might look old, that doesn’t always mean that it’s an antique. Here are a few ways you can determine the age of your teapot.

 

One of the best ways to date your teapot is to examine its features.

A common indicator that your teapot is old is by looking at the spout holes. If there are three or four, it’s an antique. Since these teapots were made by hand, look for irregular circles and slight imperfections around the holes.

 

Because these were designed by artisans, many would carve their initials or the date into the bottom. If they were produced by a company, they might instead feature a unique emblem. This is especially so with teapots that were manufactured during the 19th-century. You can carefully flip the appliance upside down to see if there are markings.

 

The last thing to consider is the shape of the item. Before the 1700s, teapots were round. Afterward, they slowly became more oval or pear-shaped. It wasn’t until a century later that the sides were straightened.

 

You might also want to inspect the teapot for marks and scratches. While these could slightly lower the value of the teapot, they assist you in correctly dating it.

The best way to tell if you have an antique teapot is to look at the handle. If it appears worn or has embedded finger smudges, it’s probably an old model.

Another way to tell the age of a teapot is to weigh it. Antique teapots will be much heavier than their modern counterparts because they were constructed out of heavy pieces like silver and pewter.