antique pewter
Old Pewter
- 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.
