Web site for China teapot?

Question

Need help in trying to find more info on a musical teapot that my Grandmother left me. It was used as a teapot. Made pre WWII
It winds up and plays Tea For Two
On the Bottom is a sticker that has Empress made in Japan

Any Ideas??

Answer 1

You have to look for a mark imbedded in the bottom if it has one, if not don't panic.
It is probably worth some money but in my opinion do not sel it on E-Bay. You won't get the value of your piece if you decide to sell it.
Below is information and the avenues to use in order to date your piece. Try them. Even E-bay may have a simular item to give you a rough ball park range of price and info.

HOW TO LOCATE A REPUTABLE APPRAISER:
Gather referrals from friends and appraising associations.
Write to appraising associations and request their membership directories. Listed below are two of the largest appraising associations in the United States:
AMERICAN SOCIETY OF APPRAISERS
P.O. Box 17265
Washington, DC 20041
[phone]
APPRAISERS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA
386 Park Ave South - 20th Floor
New York, NY 10016
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Web Site: www.appraisersassoc.org
Email: [e-mail]
ISA
INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF APPRAISERS
1131 SW 7th St #105
Renton, WA 98055
Toll Free: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Web Site: www.isa-appraisers.org
Email: [e-mail]
SPECIAL NOTE: The American Society of Appraisers estimates that only 25 percent of the 120,000 appraisers in the United States belongs to one of the major evaluation societies. Such societies establish codes of ethics by which their members are required to adhere. In addition to a code of ethics, the appraisers are tested for their expertise.

Refer to the Yellow Pages in the Telephone Book under "Appraisers" of "Antique Dealers."
WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU LOCATE AN APPRAISER:
Review their credentials
Verify their membership to an appraising association
Request references
Determine appraisal fees
Request a written contract which outlines the following items:
The scope of work
The delivery date of the appraisal
The appraisal fee
The objective nature of appraisal findings
A statement that the appraiser cannot act as an advocate or negotiator in disputes over appraised goods.
Other sites to contact;
http://www.antiqueappraisals.net/
http://www.ceramic-link.de/Seiten/ICD-Historical2.htm#america
http://www.dmoz.org/
http://www.squeagle.com/
http://web.info.com/infocom.us2.enhance/search/web/collectibles?CMP=3212&itkw=collectibles
http://www3.sympatico.ca/appraisers/
http://www.thecollectiblestore.com/?a=1&kw=collectibles+A
You could also go to your local library and research this from there, it could be easier for you.
Hope this helped,
Cheers!