Excellent timing for Chinese decoration

QI recently acquired this clock that apparently came from England nearly 100 years ago. I know that during the 1700s and early 1800s, England traded extensively with the Orient. One result was that things Chinese were popular in England, and even English manufacturers copied Chinese imports. This tall case clock is 240 centimetres high (95 inches) and painted red with Chinese scenes and designs done in enamel and gilt. The brass arch top dial has the name JOHN SAUNDERS, LONDON inscribed below the handshaft. There is a strike shut-off at the top, a second hand, and the date in an aperture below the handshaft. The movement is a typical English eight-day bellstrike. I was unsuccessful finding this name and have concluded that he may have been the seller. Any information you can provide about history and value would be appreciated.

• Sigfred, Kitchener A

You have a clock with a wonderful lacquered case with chinoiserie — very popular when your clock was made around 1780. The brass face with filigree spandrels in each of the four face corners is typical. Your clock runs for a week — a big incentive for clock buyers who tend to shy away from those running for only a day. The chinoiserie case, in amazingly great condition, escalates its value since it is very prone to damage. Chinese themes and antiques in all categories are very strong at present. There is little information about Saunders, as you found, and he is a rare maker to have. The stunning case was probably made, totally, in England and sets this clock aside from hundreds of others. In England it will retail around $7,500.

QThis porcelain teapot came to my family from my great-grandparents in 1966. According to the old note found inside the teapot it was 200 years old in 1874 — is this possible? It states it came from the Santry Court and Hermitage Park home of Sir Compton Donville-Bart, County Dublin, Ireland. It measures 20 cm from tip of spout to edge of handle (7.8 inches). We would like to know your thoughts on the date, condition and any other information you might be able to supply.

• Bonnie, Kitchener A A family member incurred great expense to repair the spout with silver. The scalloped join where it meets the damaged spout is extremely fine work. The shape of this Chinese Export teapot distinguishes it from very similar English teapots of the same era. The sharply angled spout, the somewhat flattened ‘C’ shape of the handle loop and the hard paste porcelain are distinctively Chinese and date it to about 1775. The handpainted tree peonies were favourite motifs, and the fine work around the lid and upper body are impressive. It was made for the western market and they rarely turn up in family homes today. It is a remarkable heirloom to have survived almost 250 years and it is worth so much more than a market value today of just $100. Q My grandfather was married in 1917 and received this server as a gift. The pitcher tilts to serve. The cup, the pitcher and the base have the following inscription: ‘EPBW EAGLE S.P. COMPANY.’ The size of the complete piece is 53 by 25 cm (21 by 10 inches). I’m interested in knowing more about this piece.

• Louise, Ottawa A

You have a tilting water set that was probably made in the 1880s, when these were popular items in wealthier households. This cost about $25 at the time — a sizeable sum. The cup has retained most of its silver plating, unlike the stand and pitcher. The body designs were hand chased (carved). These were used for ice water and are double-walled to insulate. Some had ceramic linings to keep the water cold. The ‘EPBW’ stands for ‘Electro-Plate Britannia Ware.’ The Eagle Silver Plate Company remains a mystery. The history of these once competitive companies is very confusing due to the many takeovers that took place over a very short time span. Your piece could be replated to advantage. It is quite a showpiece that’s worth about $175 today.