Expert: Martin G Roberts - 10/8/2006

Question
I have just bought a footed dish, maker James Dixon and sons, pattern no W 1982.  Any idea of its age? How is it best to clean pewter of which I have a number of pieces.  A value would be appreciated, I paid 50p at a car boot today.

Thanks

Ann Bolton

Answer
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Could be anywhere from 1851 to the 1970s based on the mark as described. The style sounds unusual - can you send me a photo to stynt@btopenworld.com, including details of any marks, and an overall shot showing how the plate is footed.

Cleaning is a specialist activity. Just use a good metal polish if you want to bring up some highlights, but if the piece is covered in scale (thick dark grey tin oxide) then it is basically uncleanable I'm afraid. Britannia metal (which this is; BM is a pewter alloy formulated for fabricating rather than casting) is too thin and the oxide too hard to allow successful cleaning.

Best regards

Martin
www.antique-metalware.co.uk