posted 12-30-2006 05:04 PM            

I recently inherited a lot of old silver and silver-clad collectibles.

Of particular interest is a silver-clad copper teapot and coffeepot set including the percolator type coffee pot, teapot with tea strainer, 3-legged stand, alcohol burner with cover, and a heat shield formed to go around the base.

The only markings are on the bottoms of the teapot, coffee pot, and the alcohol burner. The teapot and burner simply say "Jos. Heinrich Paris + New York".

The coffee percolator says the same with the addition of the digit "8" and below that "PAT. APL'D FOR".

All handles are wooden; the spigot on the coffeepot being a wooden handle that turns 1/4 turn to allow flow.

The tea strainer appears to be a thin silver screen formed with what appears to be "silver solder", although that may be a poor term. (I have several feet of 1/8" "silver solder", but believe it must be brazed on).

The glass portion of the percolator has been broken at some time. It's still intact enough to allow complete assembly of the percolator.

I estimate the pots to each hold less than a quart of liquid.

Aside from the shield, very little copper is shown.

I hesitate to shine any of the pieces and degrade the value. As of now, the entire set is badly tarnished.

11 pieces in all, including the glass for the percolator.

After searching the web, I find little of value as far as anything that compares to this, and next to nothing silver-plated manufactured by Jos. Heinrich.

I can only tell at this point that this set most likely C1920. Beyond that, I'm completely in the dark.

Does any of this ring a bell with anyone?

I would provide pictures. But I'm not set up with my ISP at this time to upload pictures to the server. If anyone wants to see pictures, please email me and I'll gladly send you a set.

Thank you all in advance. This is just the tip of the iceberg.

posted 12-30-2006 08:29 PM            

Hopefully this will produce results.