Expert: Martin G Roberts - 1/12/2009

Question
Dear Mr. Roberts:

I have been searching for information on lead levels in a pewter Royal Holland KMD coffee/tea service -- quite fortuitously, for what appears to be the same set that Anne displayed in her question of 1/4/09.  Several other pieces, I've been able to ascertain are lead-free Britannia-ware, but no luck so far on this set.  I'd like to be able to use the service, but would obviously prefer to not put acidic beverages in there if it does contain lead!  Thanks so much for your help, and Happy New Year.

Answer
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Hello Jen,

I cannot comment on the lead in a particular object, as that would require a metallurgical test. In general, if pewter is modern and of European manufacture (which KMD is) it will have little or no lead in it, but one cannot guarantee that for a particular piece.

On lead in pewter, and the health risk, you should take a look at this previous answer of mine: http://en.allexperts.com/q/Collectibles-General-Antiques-682/2008/4/Confused.htm

As you see, being free of lead does not imply that the alloy is Britannia metal. Indeed, it is not possible to consistently distinguish 'pewter' and 'Britannia metal' by alloy composition - the distinction rests instead on manufacturing methods. 'Pewter' is usually regarded as being constructed principally by casting components molten metal, while 'Britannia metal' is constructed principally by fabricating (cold forming) sheet metal. The few objects by KMD that I have seen probably were cast rather than formed from sheet.

In the end, this is a matter for you to decide, but, if you have any concerns about the issue, then it probably is best not to use the pewter.

Hope that helps.

Martin
www.antique-metalware.co.uk