glossary for letters R to Z
The antique pewter articles are the ideal collectables for home decorating that will match your home furniture and home design.
Therefore, whether you are a pewter collector or just interested in purchasing some pewter articles, it is important to know the meaning of the terms used.
Let us consider the following definitions and terms in accordance with the American and British pewter. The terms presented below contain relevant and useful explanations based on the terminology used starting from the 17th century and until today:
Reed – Term used for the moulding (commonly cast but sometimes incised) round edge of flatware (or sadware). Based on the type of reeding, simple or multiple, one is able to determine the manufacture period.
Sadware – An important category of antique pewter items which include all plates, chargers and dished. However, today, a more common term for this category if flatware since all these items are “flat” in terms of form and shape.
Skimming – Term used for the process for the removal of metal surplus and smoothing the rough surface of antique pewter items and cast pewter. Skimming is done by scraping the antique pewter piece while it is placed on a lathe. While the antique pewter piece rotates, the skimming is done using a special tool.
Spinning – A process by which pewter articles are created. This process is done by mounting the piece of sheet metal over the desired form in the press.
Stamping – A process by which pewterers are able to form antique pewter articles. This process is similar to the spinning one, since it is done by stamping the piece of sheet metal over the desired form in the press. However, this process is done through stamping and not spinning.
Tin – One of the metals used to create the pewter alloy along with lead, antimony and other metals. In America there were no tin mines and for this reason their only source for tin came from scrap English pewter which was melted down and combined with lead. This is one of the reasons for which the American cast pewter contains more lead as compared to the English pewter.
Tankard – Term used to describes a drinking vessel having cylindrical shape, featuring a handle and a hinged cover. In addition, in order to raise the lid or cover, the drinking vessel features a projecting thumb piece. One of the main characteristics of tankards is hinged cover along with the projecting thumb piece. Finally, the antique pewter tankard is a lidded drinking vessel, while the mug is an un-lidded drinking vessel with approximately the same features.
Wriggling – A type of engraving featuring zigzag shape. Wriggling is done by achieved by simply walking a screwdriver from the blade’s corner to the other corner.
In conclusion, these are the main terms used during the 17th century to describe and define some traditional processes, antique pewter collectables and pewter antique categories. Most of these terms are still used today, while others have changed like for example “sadware” was replaced with “flatware”.
Therefore, it is important to be up-to-date with the latest changes and at least know the basic terms used in the pewter industry. In this way, you will be able to purchase the best antique pewter articles and modern pewter pieces, while making a good investment.
