How Does Pewter Get Made?
Uses Pewter is one of the oldest known metal alloys and may have been used as early as 1500 BC. Household utensils made from pewter were common in England from 1300 to 1800. Pewter, which consists primarily of tin, was an attractive and inexpensive alternative for gold or silver platters, pitchers and dishes. Pewter was commonly used in the American colonies to make house wares. It is still being made today. Pewter is used to make household items such as candle sticks, dishware, jewelry, decorative items, holiday ornaments, bookmarks and picture frames. Ingredients Pewter consists of tin, copper and the chemical element, antimony. Tin is a soft metal and the copper and antimony are added to give it strength. At least 90% of pewter consists of tin. At one time lead was used as an ingredient to make pewter. Lead caused the pewter to tarnish and when combined with some foods it could form a toxic substance. Antique pewter should not be used as an eating utensil, due to the possible lead c
