Q: We would like to know something about this teapot. It's marked with a crown and the words "Mandarin," "England Coalport," and "A.D. 1750." The words "Chicago 1893 Exhibition" in gold letters are stamped over the mark. We would like to know the history and value.

A: Coalport Porcelain Works used a crown mark, with variations, beginning in 1881. The date "A.D. 1750" is not the date the factory opened, however. It was established at Coalport, Shropshire, England, in about 1795. The factory was bought by Cauldon Potteries in 1926 and moved to Shelton, Stoke-on-Trent. After further changes in ownership and location, it became part of the Wedgwood Group in 1967. Coalport porcelain is no longer being made. The mark on your teapot was used from about 1891 to 1920. Coalport was one of many porcelain companies that exhibited dishes at the 1893 World's Fair in Chicago. Mandarin is the pattern name. The value of your teapot is about $350.