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Antique pewterer marks

Through history, many pewter antique items have been created and some of them managed to withstand the impact of time and become today’s works of art. Each of these antique pewter articles has their own pewterer/ maker and their origin is important in terms of design, innovation, price and true value.

Once you have managed to get informed regarding the pewterers’ marks, their features and symbol, it is now high time you learn more practical researches made during the 20th century. Some antique pewter items could contain only touch marks and hallmarks, while other pewter antique articles could have a label as well.

There is no strict rule when it comes to the existence and study of pewterers’ marks, and this is what it makes it even more interesting.

Depending on the region, area or country where the antique pewter article was produced, the pewterer’s marks are different as well as the design and themes expressed by these works of art. However, all pewterers’ marks prove the existence of an enterprise or partnership between several pewterers who have decided to start their own business.

This is why, today, some pewter collectors are interested in collecting only antique pewter items manufactured by a specific pewterer.

In addition, you can also start the home decoration by finding the best antique pewter articles and collectables that will match your home furniture and home design.

The bad news is that during the 16th and 17th centuries some pewterers had used the marks of other with the view to deceive the prospect customers. Therefore, sometimes it was difficult to determine exactly which antique pewter articles belonged to a certain pewterer and which did not.

The worst thing is that in our days this practice is still being applied, but at least the law is being more protective and aware of such situations.

This section contains reliable and relevant information regarding the hallmarks found on various antique pewter articles manufactured during the 16th century.

Hallmarks during the 16th century

The hallmarks used by pewterers during the period 1670 –1680 seem to coincide in terms of size with the ones of silversmiths. More specifically, it seems that the average height of crowned leopard of 5.5 mm was present on both silver and pewter articles during this period.

Furthermore, the early sets of four hallmarks used by pewterers had the same individual shield-outline and this leads us to the following conclusion: the sets were purchased as off-the-shelf articles from die makers, who in the same time supplied these sets for silversmiths as well.

When the pewterer had ordered a complete set of hallmarks, the shield-outline would still remain the same for each mark within a set. Likewise, these dies feature the same elaborate outline: the crown and head-punch. The lion’s chins were decidedly pointed.

In conclusion, there is enough evidence to prove that during the 16th century the same die maker sold almost the same punches for several London pewterers.

The study of hallmarks and other pewterers’ marks is a very fascinating one since you have the opportunity to discover the true origin of antique pewter articles and be able to appreciate their true value.

Read about Crowned HR Verification Marks.