Expert: Martin G Roberts - 6/14/2006

Question
Hi Martin, I acquired a Flagg & Homan 1 1/2qt. pitcher  with a screw on top and pewter cork for spout of pitcher, stamped on the bottom, along with the name is sani-tite #37.  Also 6 pewter glasses, larger than shot glasses, maybe wine glassses with flat bottoms, same name with #39 on all the glasses.  Can you tell me anything about the set and the best way to clean pewter.  Thank you for your time, Bev.  

Answer
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Cincinnatti, probably mid 20th century, of little value and certainly not antique. Unlikely to need serious cleaning, so just use a bit of soapy water. If you have older pewter, do not attempt to clean it with acid or lye, as this will destroy the object - your fellow countrymen have wrecked thousands of fine pieces of pewter that way.