Expert: Martin G Roberts - 9/29/2006

Question
So are most of the pewter plates on ebay reproductions?  How can you be sure it is an authentic antique pewter plate?
thanks
rob
-------------------------

Followup To

Question -
We have a pewter plate with a stamp on it with a colonial ship with a whale below it.  is this a real stamp or is it a reproduction from somewhere?

thanks
rob

Answer -
-

These are reproductions, and usually very crudely made.

I should take it off eBay.  

Answer
-

Ha, I got it wrong. There are two or three of these repro plates with ship marks on eBay at present - I assumed you were one of the sellers, asking the question because you had been challenge, and I meant you should remove the listing.

Quite a lot of the pewter listed as antique on eBay is repro - if you want good stuff, see my listings (some of which are repro, but sold as such and not listed in the antiques section). My website is at www.antique-metalware.co.uk, and follow the links from the front page. Got to Stynt's Pewter Shop on my website for very good pewter.