You certainly can use these every day. Hot water will not harm the metal or the solder joints. Just remember to warm the pot slowly. Swill a little warm water inside before adding the boiling water. Tannin builds up inside over time. A quick rinse after use stops the interior turning black. Leave the lid open to let it dry. This prevents musty smells forming.

My grandmother left me a heavy silver teapot with lots of dark tarnish all over it and I was wondering if I should try to polish it up or leave it dark?

Most collectors prefer to see the metal. A gentle polish with a quality silver foam or cloth removes the dark tarnish without scratching. It brings the piece back to how the maker intended it to look. Do not use chemical dips. They strip the surface and leave the silver looking flat and white. Go slowly around any engraved areas so you do not wear the pattern down.

How to clean inside spout?

A soft bristle brush does the job. Pipe cleaners also work well for the narrow curve. Avoid anything with a wire core. Hard metals easily scratch the softer silver inside.

The wooden handle on the teapot I found at a boot sale is split right down the middle and feels loose, is there any way to fix this type of damage?

A skilled silversmith can carve a replacement. They match the original wood and shape it to fit the existing silver sockets. It takes time but keeps the piece functional. Sometimes an old split can be glued and clamped if the wood is still solid. The silver pins holding the handle just need gently tapping out first. It is a routine repair for a good restorer.

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Antique Silver Teapots

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Antique silver teapots are vessels specifically crafted for the brewing and serving of tea, evolving from small, plain early forms into larger, highly decorated pieces as tea became more widely available.