What is Pewter?

Pewter is a silver-colored metal with a long history. Its silvery color comes from the predominance of Tin in its formulation. Pewter is an alloy, or mix, of metals. Originally, it was made up with Tin and a small quantity of Lead, Copper, Bismuth, and/or Antimony. It has been around for thousands of years, from Roman times, and most probably even longer. Pewter is thought to have originated during the Bronze Age, which would be about 2000BC. Pewter and Bronze are "related" alloys, being basically the reverse of one another. Pewter is mostly Tin with a trace of Copper and other alloys, while Bronze is mostly Copper with a trace of Tin and other alloys. Roman pewter was composed of Tin and Lead only.

By the Middle Ages the use of pewter had become quite widespread. Around the 12th Century, pewter was within the reach of the wealthy, including the Church. However, later the use of pewter spread to the Taverns and Cottages. It was used mainly for functional goods and tools like Candle Sticks, Tableware and Cutlery, while the few decorative items and toys were known as Trifles. It was during this growth period, in 1348, that The Worshipful Company of Pewterers was established. Whether or not this organization started the formulation of Guilds, many Guilds were formed to regulate the quality of work produced by the Pewterers of the era. Pewter continued as the material of choice for many items until the 18th Century when the mass production of quality pottery began to replace the use of pewter.

Mugs and lidded Tankards are commonly the most recognized pewter artifacts of the late 17th and early 18th Centuries. The metal, however, was also used for other items including porringers, plates, dishes, basins, spoons, measures, flagons, cups, teapots, sugar bowls, beer steins, and creamers. Lead was re-introduced into these items during our Colonial Era due to the import restrictions by the English Crown. Since only new manufactured items could be imported to the new world, the Pewterers of the Colonies began taking old pieces in payment for new pieces, or repairs and adding lead to stretch their pewter supply. Once the import embargoes had gone away, Pewter goods once again were, for the most part, "Lead Free." Modern pewter contains little or no lead, the lead having been replaced with antimony and/or bismuth. Older pewter with a significant lead content are heavier, tarnish faster, and the tarnish gives them a darker matte silver-grey color.

Caring for pewter is relatively easy. The metal should always be promptly washed with a mild soap and warm water if it has been exposed to any acidic liquid, citric juices or vinegar. Wash with a soft cloth or sponge to prevent scratching, and then dry the item. Pewter does melt at a relatively low temperature, 450 to 480 degrees F, so it should not be exposed to extreme heat.