As little girls we would sit at our small play tables and create a tea party where only the most favorite of our stuffed animals were allowed to attend. The older we get the more we appreciate the antique teapots that our mothers and grandmothers owned. When you look closely at these dishes you will notice the intricate designs that they are made with and the history that they hold.
When collecting antique teapots you do not simply go to any store and purchase the first one that you find. Though it might look old it does not mean that it is and oftentimes it has no value or real worth to it. It is important that you find a guide which will help you to determine the best manufacturer to purchase from and what markings to look for.
How To Find Them
The best place to find these is at your local antique shop. Though they might not have what you want at the time they may be able to find a way to get it for you. Make sure to leave your contact information with them. You should also be able to find some at garage sales or thrift stores. Not everyone will understand the value of the teapot that they possess.
However, the best antiques come from those people who invested time, energy, and money into finding only the best for their homes. Estate sales often have genuine antiques that are of high quality. Other times all you need to do is go online to one of the hundred websites and bid on the item of your choice.
Common Manufacturers
Danish – One of the most popular manufacturers is the Royal Copenhagen. This was founded by Queen Juliane Marie in 1775 and became the first factory to be built outside of Germany. It was used to produce china dinnerware, teapots, and porcelain figurines. These were created using a special hard paste porcelain that was designed by Frantz Henrich Muller. As their mark they use a crown with the name ’Denmark’ or ‘Royal Copenhagen’ around or underneath it.
Prussia – RS Prussia has designed some of the most complex porcelain molds and patterns that make it both unique and elegant. The majority of the pieces designed by this particular manufacturer were given floral patterns and gold gilding. It was not uncommon for some to be hand decorated or the designs to be transferred directly onto the porcelain. They mark each piece with long leaves that extend upwards and a star at the very tips of the plants. Inside the leaves are the initials RS.