Expert: Martin G Roberts - 2/29/2004

Question
I recently bought a very heavy pewter crucifix that is 14 inches long and 8 in. wide from a garage sale. Jesus himself is 8 in. long. It looks to have been kept outside because the metal has some wear on it like oxidation took place and made some holes. It may be silver or nickel plated over the pewter. Most of the shiny finish is gone and shows the pewter. On the back of the cross it says Parson. Is this an antique? I would like to have it refinished in some way.

I don't mind if this is posted on collectibles-general message board.

Answer
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Such items are known in pewter, though I do not believe them to be especially old. The few I've seen were probably late 19th or early 20th century, and probably of Continental European origin. Pewter forms a surface oxide when kept in damp conditions such as might be found in a church. This can be very difficult to remove, and, if you are determined to restore it, you should seek professional assistance. Unfortunately, such assistance is very hard to come by! I'm guessing you're in the US, so you could try contacting the PCCA (http://home1.gte.net/vzn05wao/pcca/contents.htm). Frankly, though, it is probably not worth restoring from the point of view of value, so it would be a labour of love.