American Pewter

Among the most popular dinnerware materials over the ages, pewter has enjoyed a centuries-long tradition. Pewter of high quality is characterized by its simplicity, clean lines, and a lack of unnecessary embellishment, in addition to its craftsmanship. Consequently, collectors have long coveted antique American pewter. A variety of decorative and functional pieces are made of pewter, illustrating the versatility and craftsmanship of this material. Several antique American pewter items dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries are still available for sale at Online Auction. Pewter items produced during the American Revolution are sought after by many collectors across the world. In addition to British pewter, American pewter has a great deal of popularity. All kinds of pewter are included in this category, including clothing buttons, military buttons, and other items used in food preparation and service. 

An antique pewter object is a tin-based metal alloy with small amounts of copper, bismuth, or antimony. Pewter was one of the few antique categories that had a "touchmark" identifying its age, maker, and origin. The maker marks are often faded to the point where only a fragment is visible. There is a high level of sophistication and artistic flair associated with most touchmarks created before 1820.  As of 1825, their character had disappeared and they appeared as plain names. Probably the most common items made of pewter are mugs, tankards, and basic dishware. Pewter design can be categorized according to historical periods. There were no decorations on the plates during the 8-inch plate era of 1750-1825. In the coffee-pot era (1825-1850), pewter was shaped into pieces that were similar to silver pieces. 

Pewter production in America began around 1640. In the old days, most pewterers' work was concerned with dishes, plates, and basins. In early American pewter, the designs often resemble those in England. Pewter made before the 1870s is regarded as rare. Pewter from the pre-Revolutionary period is extremely rare, having been used to make bullets during the Revolution. The pre-1850 type of pewter is the most common type of pewter included in museum collections. Despite this, collectors often prefer pewter pieces with good design regardless of their age, particularly Art Nouveau pieces. There are very few marked American pewters that date back before 1875.

Antique Pewter objects from the past serve as reminders of the artisanship and functional nature of this durable metal alloy. Aside from their aesthetic appeal and historical significance, antique pewter items are cherished for their enduring beauty and ability to serve a variety of purposes. There is a superb collection of antique and vintage American pewter to be found on Bidsquare.