About Pewter

Pewter has been used for thousands of years stretching back to Egyptian times but it was first introduced to Britain by the Romans in the second century. It is an alloy made from 85% – 99% tin and is the fourth most precious metal.

From about the 15th century the composition of pewter in England was carefully controlled by the Worshipful Company of Pewterers who laid down strict specifications for pewter, and until the end of the 18th century monitored pewter manufacture throughout England. It was traditionally used in churches and was the chief tableware in the Middle Ages up until the development of porcelain and the introduction of mass produced glass.

During this time all pewters were manufactured with varying levels of lead and tin. However, today pewter no longer contains lead, which has been replaced by copper and bismuth, and at at least 90% tin (many manufacturers raise this to 95%).

Nowadays pewter is mainly used in the manufacture of decorative objects such as replica coins, pendants, trophies, and eating/drinking utensils such as hip flasks, tankards and quaichs.