Nippon Lemonade Set

Q: I’m cleaning out my mother’s house and found this pitcher with six mugs. There is no creamer or sugar. This mark is on the bottom. What is this and does it have any value?

A: This is a lemonade set, that’s why there’s no sugar or creamer. The maker’s mark is either “TE-OH” or “TJE-OH.” Most sellers list it as “TE-OH” but there is no other information about the maker. However, you can date your mother’s lemonade set by the word “Nippon” in the mark. In 1891, the McKinley Tariff Act was passed, which required all imported goods to be marked with the country of origin. The word “Nippon” is the Japanese name for Japan. In 1921, the United States required the country name to be written in English. Your lemonade set was made between 1891 and 1921. Value is about $50 to $60.