Expert: Martin G Roberts - 6/12/2008

Question
Thank you, in advance, for taking the time to look at my questions. My
grandmother has a variety of pewter items that I've inherited. I'd like to know
the best way to care for them. Also, I'd like to know how to "repair" those that
are dinged. And lastly, what do the stamps on the bottom indicate? (I'm
assuming they let a collector know age, origin, etc. For example, some of
mine are stamped with an eagle and say "international pewter." Other stamps
include: Wilcox, Wallace, Royal Holland Pewter, Jeka Tiel, Newburyport Pewter
Towle, Woodbury Pewterers, etc.) I'm assuming, due to other questions I've
looked at, that some -if not all - of these are "tat."

Again, I appreciate your time and direction.

Regards,

Tobey

Answer
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Well, it's all 20th Century. Some of it is very modern indeed, made in the last 30 years or so. Actually, some is not tat, but well made and interesting pieces; mostly reproductions of antique styles, I would think. But most have no significant financial value.

Pewter does not need any special care - that is one of the joys of this metal. Just dust it occasionally.

Pewter is a soft metal - you can remove the dents by knocking them out. Use a rounded wooden object to do this, and use many light taps. But you may find it will leave a slight bruise where the surface of the metal has been stretched. This can sometimes be polished away. But frankly, the value will not alter by removing the dents, so if they are not aesthetically offensive, why not leave them be. After all, as a soft metal, it is characteristic of pewter to acquire a few dents here and there. Indeed, the ability of pewter to take dents without splitting has in the past been put forward as a significant benefit!

Martin
www.antique-metalware.co.uk