"Rust" in interior of silver teapot

[ArtsdeTable]

I have an 1889 silver teapot given as a wedding present. I have tried making tea in it but it was disgusting. The interior looks rusty and corroded but surely that would be silver also, and not iron or steel? Does tea have this effect? The lid handle and the pot handle are made of ebony.

Would cleaning by filling the interior using the aluminium foil, washing soda, boiling water method be advisable?.

I would like to use this method on the exterieur but fear for the ebony. Would it be safe?

Thank you.
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[dragonflywink]

Here's a link with helpful advise for your problem:

http://www.silversmithing.com/care.htm#Coffee

~Cheryl
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