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Pewter Types

According to the PewterCollectorsClub, early civilizations such as Rome, Greece and Egypt used pewter. Once considered a luxury item, pewter became a symbol of gentility and fine manners to colonial Americans. Pewter is an alloy made of several elements including copper, zinc, lead and bismuth, a brittle metal with a reddish-white color. The main component of pewter is tin.

Polished
- Polished pewter has a high shine and a smooth appearance. Because pewter does not tarnish like silver or other metals, the brilliance of polished pewter can easily be maintained by cleaning it once or twice a year. Jewelry or other ornamental objects may be made from polished pewter.
Satin
- Satin pewter has a dull, grainy apearance that may also look rough or imperfect. Satin pewter is well-suited for making utilitarian objects because it endures regular washing with soap and water.
Oxidized
- Pewter that is oxidized will appear dark. Many antique pieces of pewter will be oxidized. In fact, the high lead content in older pewter encourages oxidation.

Antiques