Hobbies And Interests
History
According to "Pewter," published by Charles Hull, pewter dates back at least as far as the Middle Ages, when Europeans sought out high quality British supplies of the metal. Although prevalent throughout Europe during this period, Hull says that before becoming an industry in England, pewter was common among Romans who brought it to Britain at the beginning of the 3rd century A.D.
Composition
Pewter is regulated in Britain and Europe according to its concentration of copper, antimony and bismuth. European standards allow a minimum of 90 percent tin. Lead is forbidden.
International Pewter
"International pewter" is a trade name associated with the Royal Selangor International pewter company--a Malayasian silversmith that has operated since 1885. Royal Selangor is based in Setapak, Kuala Lumpur, which is also where its pewter factory is located. Initially, Royal Selangor crafted pewter into candlestands and incense burners for religious and ceremonial use. It was not until the 1970s that the company expanded its catalog and began exporting pewter globally; first into Europe and later into Japan.