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Collectibles-General (Antiques)/pewter tankard email no1

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Expert: Martin G Roberts - 9/11/2008


Question

pewter tankard
Hi,this pewter tankard stands 22cm high, is 12cm wide at the base and 8cm wide at the top. It appears to be old but I have no great knowledge of pewter. The tankard is very heavy. I will send another enquiry with the base photo.

Answer
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Interesting thing. The general form (tall, with a very marked taper, and two bands of decoration) is reminiscent of late 17th Century English ale mugs, which are very rare and highly desirable. But the details are wrong - the handle is too elaborate, and appears to be soldered to the body, rather than being cast-on; the two bands of decoration on the body are too elaborate; the footrim is stepped when it should be plain; and there should not be a maker's mark under the base.

The maker's mark shown in your other message is difficult to read, and I suspect that was the intention of the maker, as it may be fake.

In my opinion, what you have here is an early 20th Century piece intended as a reproduction, that has now acquired a convincing patina.

Hope that is helpful.

Martin
www.antique-metalware.co.uk
    Questioner's Rating
    Rating(1-10)Knowledgeability = 10Clarity of Response = 10Politeness = 10
    CommentThank you for a quick and informative response. Cheers Peter Sydney, Australia


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Martin G Roberts

Expertise

Pewter of the 19th Century and earlier from the British Isles and Ireland. I can comment on origin, date, rarity, and value. I cannot give detailed information on 'art' metalware, Art Deco, Art Nouveau or Arts & Crafts metalware. See my website for more information: www.antique-metalware.co.uk.

Experience

A collector for twelve years and a dealer for seven.

Publications
Journal of the Pewter Society
Pewter Society Newsletter
Bulletin of the Pewter Collectors' Club of America

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