Old Pewter
‘Old pewter’ is a term used in two main contexts, either as a way of describing
- Old pewter: the original form of pewter (an alloy of tin and lead) as distinct from the more modern lead free form which uses a combination of tin with copper, antimony and/or bismuth; or,
- Old pewter: antique pewter which can be either the original or modern form depending upon its age.
Pewter has been around for centuries and has continually been used for drinking vessels – such as goblets, tankards, pitchers and latterly pewter hip flasks – and tableware – plates, bowls, cruet sets, etc. The alloy when new or polished has its own special lustre which is slightly duller, darker but softer than silver. Throughout history it has always been a cheaper option than silver but there have been times when it has proved more popular, particularly in the 19th century when American housewives preferred it irrespective of whether they could afford silver.
Although much modern pewter is decorative rather than functional, hip flasks remain an exception. As they are designed to contain alcoholic drinks, pewter as a good conductor with a low melting point remains one of the best available alloys. Another advantage stems from the inert nature of pewter which ensures that it does not react with or change the taste of drinks, even when they are stored for many hours in the hip flask.
No self respecting Victorian gentlemen would be seen dead without a silver or pewter hip flask and they still remain popular with country sports followers, with sporting spectators in general – particularly rugby and golf fans – and with those who consider themselves ‘a cut above’. Pewter hip flasks being produced today often become style icons in their own right such as the Eric Magnussen flask which won a number of international design awards. Others feature modern day icons such as Homer Simpson. The most popular however feature country pursuits or sporting motifs or hark back to bygone days using retrospective designs from Victorian or even Celtic times.’
Learn more about Antique pewter
Understanding pewter marks can help you establish the true value of your pewter
for great celtic pewter gift ideas click here
Pewter Christmas gifts and ideas
Pewter Christmas decoration are a stylish addition to any tree, these Intricately detailed snowflake-style pewter and cystal decorations
