A tipping teapot!

From the moment I first heard of a tipping (or tilting) teapot, I wanted one, but the first time I found one online, it was around $250, and I didn't want it that much. Then Aunt Jane and I were in Goodwill last week, and I was turning the corner at housewares and thought, "Hmm. That silver teapot down on that bottom shelf sure is sitting up high." Then I stopped. "Wait a minute. Is that … ?" And it was—and it was just $15.99! I'm taking this Leonard Silverplate teapot on a craft retreat soon and can't wait to use it to serve tea!

There was definitely some tarnish, but nothing looked too scary to tackle.

The interior of the teapot looked so clean that I wondered if this had ever been used.

When I got home, I examined the fuel-holder-thingie (that's probably not the scientific term for it), and the wick looks in pristine condition, so I'm thinking this is a piece that someone never got around to using.

And here it is cleaned up! It may need one final round with my beloved Wright's Silver Cream, but boy, am I thrilled with my bargain tipping teapot. While I've seen them online and in magazines before, I don't remember ever spotting one in the wild. Have you? (And if you're looking for one, I found vintage ones on eBay that are much more affordable than $250. Who knew?)