Q: My husband bought me this whistling teakettle at a flea market. It appears to have a chrome coating on it, but it says on the bottom that it’s “solid copper” and “made in England.” It’s in very good condition except for a few small dents. There’s a rolled spring in the bottom piece that keeps it hot for a while after it’s removed from the burner. The kettle is marked on the bottom: “The ‘Simplex’ Patent Kettle, Solid Copper, Made in England, Patents Nos. 400708, 402190, Reg. No. 786743.” When was it made and what is it worth?

A: The patent and registration numbers on your kettle were issued in 1933, but that doesn’t mean your kettle was made that year. The Simplex teakettle is still being made and is still a favorite with tea drinkers. We have one we bought at Williams-Sonoma a couple of years ago. The kettle is designed to be used on gas stoves. You can find old and new Simplex kettles with copper or chrome finishes. We have seen vintage pots sell for about $40. A new one costs more than $100.