old dinner set part off

[Tooth Fairy]

I own a Tea set which has been past down for over 100 years and have know idea of value or the type of wear it is.The set contains,teapot complete with matching stand,milk jug,sugar basin with lid.12 cups.12 dish type scausers and 2 coffee cup.It is white with gold inlay and a grape type partern in brown and purple/pink grapes.The only marking on the underside is:-179. i would be greatful for any help with this.

[kerrybee]

With just the number, I can't help you.  But it sounds European, possible a set made in Limoges, France, or a Bavarian-German-Austrian set.  I trust you've looked very carefully - any artist signatures/initials hidden in the design, is the number 7 done in the European fashion with the slash thru it, kind of like a backwards letter F? Here's a mouth-watering site to visit for similar items.  The grapes patterns were popular.  Without a country of origin, very likely made before 1891.

http://www.sd-limoges.com/chocolate.html

And here's another site:  (do a copy/paste on this one)

www.efineantiques.c om

Look thru all the tea/coffee sets - some of their pieces are "unmarked" but attributed.  and ps:  get your cup of tea or coffee ahead of time - there's lots to look at.   Best wishes.   KB