COMMUNITY POLL

How this site pewter content
is efficient for you?

Wow. Excellent pewter sources
I can find my pewter content
Good pewter sources
There is nothing here for me
The pewter content is irrelevant

Pewter History

For those wanting to know what is pewter made from, its history is even more fascinating than its origin. First of all, pewter has been used ever since the Bronze Age as the earliest piece of antique pewter was found in an Egyptian tomb dating 1450 BC.

Throughout the history, pewter has been created using different metals, such as lead and silver. In this way, the antique pewter items look rather dark grey due to oxidation, with a natural and beautiful patina. The combination between silver and lead leads to this impressing effect and it is easier to tarnish.

Pewter antiques are considered more valuable than the modern pewter pieces and extra care must be ensured to that their natural beauty is not disturbed. In this tarnished condition, antique pewter is easily maintained and you can enjoy its natural beauty.

Still, as in early ages lead was used to create the pewter alloy, this caused tarnishing and poisoned the food kept in these antique pewter marks.
This antique pewter alloy was soon replaced by Britannia metal which did not contain lead. The main disadvantage was that people started to mistaken Britannia metal with pewter because their features resemble a lot.

However, nowadays modern pewter gifts and ornaments are not that easy to be tarnished and require to be polished seldom. In addition to this, the pewter alloy existing today contains 85-99% tin.

In order to be in accordance with the standards of American Pewter it is required to contain at least 92% tin. That is why modern pewter contain at least 90% tin and a lower proportion of lead. Still, lead has been replaced by copper, antinomy and bismuth.
However, depending on the purpose of its use, the metal proportions can vary. Each combination creates a new alloy and each alloy reacts differently. Therefore, we have included a special section dedicated to the effects of pewter combinations.

Before purchasing antique pewter items it is important to know what is pewter made from, its history, its origin and be aware of the pewter marks. In this way, you will be able to appreciate its true value and offer precious pewter ornaments and gifts. Plus, all antique pewter articles are collectables and a great alternative for home decorating, while being the best match for your home furniture and home design.