Everything about Pewter totally explained
Pewter is a
metal alloy, traditionally between 85 and 99 percent
tin, with the remainder consisting of
copper and
antimony, acting as hardeners, with the addition of
lead for the lower grades of pewter, which have a bluish tint. The word
pewter is probably a variation of the word
spelter.
Uses
Use of pewter was common from the
Middle Ages up until the various developments in
glass-making during the 18th and 19th centuries. Pewter was the chief tableware until the making of
porcelain.
Mass production of glass products has seen glass universally replace pewter in day-to-day life. Pewter
artefacts continue to be produced, mainly as decorative or speciality items. Pewter was also used around East
Asia.
Roman pewter items are very rare, although some are still in existence. Pewter gradually stopped being used and by 1850, it was just about gone. By the 20th century, however, the craft has been brought back into existence.
Unlidded mugs and lidded
tankards may be the most familiar pewter artifacts from the late 17th and 18th centuries, although the metal is also used for many other items including
porringers, plates, dishes, basins, spoons, measures, flagons, communion cups, teapots, sugarbowls,
beer steins and cream jugs. In the early 19th century, changes of fashion witnessed a decline in the use of pewter flatware, but increased production of both cast and spun pewter tea sets, whale-oil lamps, candlesticks, etc. Later in the century, pewter alloys were often used as a base metal for
silver-plated objects.
Today, pewter is mainly used in decorative objects, namely collectible statuettes and figurines, replica coins, pendants, etc.
Contrary to urban legend, the use of lead-containing pewter tableware was unrelated to the mistrust of
tomatoes as a foodstuff in Northern Europe during the Middle Ages
(External Link
).
Further Information
Get more info on 'Pewter'.
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