Q&A on Collecting: Reverse painted lamp made in early 1900s

A: Your lamp was made in the first quarter of the 20th century. There were many lamp manufacturers that made similar lamps and didn't mark them. The base is pot metal with a bronze finish. Your lamp would probably be worth $200 to $400.

Q: The enclosed mark is on the bottom of a porcelain teapot that I have. Written in the mark are the words “Hand Painted — Reg. U.S. Pat. Off. — 911” and a blue crown. The teapot has a white, swirled, raised design and is decorated with small purple violets and green leaves. There is gold trim on the handle, spout and finial. It is in perfect condition. What can you tell me about my teapot?

A: Lefton China made your teapot between 1956 and 1967. Lefton China Co. was founded in Chicago in 1941 by George Lefton. The company imported much of its porcelain from Japan. In 2005, it was sold to OMT Enterprises and the company moved to California. Your teapot is an example of Lefton's “Violet Chintz” pattern and “911” is the design number. There was a plethora of matching pieces.