Pewter is an alloy of tin hardened with small amounts of other metals such as copper, lead, zinc, antimony and sometimes silver. The craft of pewtering started in antiquity - the earliest known item, a flask dating from c1450 BC, was found in Egypt.

Pewter is believed to have been introduced to Britain by the Romans, who exploited the main source of tin in Europe at the time, which was in Cornwall. The craft fell into decline after the Romans withdrew from Britain but it is thought that the Cistercian monks reintroduced it after the Norman Conquest in AD 1066.

Known as "the poor man's silver", production spread throughout the country with a wide range of mainly domestic goods being made.

In the year 1348 Articles were granted to the Worshipful Company of Pewterers in London, which enabled them to control the quality of pewter. Two grades of pewter were more...

14 items found:

These items have been sold, and the description, image and price are for reference purposes only.

English, circa 1900 a mahogany cased dip circle on stand, circa…

Antique Mahogany Dip Circle for Measuring Magnetic Field Angle

English, circa 1900 a mahogany cased dip circle on stand, circa 1900, a precision scientific instrument for measuring the angle between the horizon and the Earth's magnetic field; mark of maker, W & J George Ltd, Birmingham, England, to base plate, 28 cm…

Two pocket compasses, English, mid 19th century, one brass…

19th Century English Pocket Compasses

Two pocket compasses, English, mid 19th century, one brass Troughton & Simms, London; gun metal, F Cox, Newgate street, London, largest measuring 7.5 cm diameter

A collection of ivory etched rulers and calibration instruments,…

Etched Ivory Ruler Set - 11 Pieces

A collection of ivory etched rulers and calibration instruments, comprising of eleven pieces, the largest measuring 20 cm

A late 19th century Siemens Universal galvanometer, in original…

Siemens Universal Galvanometer with Fitted Box and Accessories

A late 19th century Siemens Universal galvanometer, in original mahogany fitted box with matching numbered box, certificate and instrument, multiple brass fittings and extras, the booklet details 'this instrument combines in itself the arrangements…

New Zealand Government brass Imperial Yard measure 1863

NZ Govt Imperial Yard Measure (1863)

New Zealand Government brass Imperial Yard measure 1863

New Zealand Government Imperial Troy oz 300 measure 1870, made…

NZ Govt 1870 Imperial Troy oz 300 Measure by De Grave

New Zealand Government Imperial Troy oz 300 measure 1870, made by De Grave short & Son, London

New Zealand Government bronze Imperial peck measure 1860, 2…

1860 NZ Govt 2 Gallon Bronze Peck Measure

New Zealand Government bronze Imperial peck measure 1860, 2 Gallons

New Zealand Government brass Imperial yard measure 1863 fitted…

1863 Imperial Yard Measure in Oak Box

New Zealand Government brass Imperial yard measure 1863 fitted in original oak carry box

Fuller's spiral slide rule Calculator, by W. F. Stanley, London,…

Vintage Calculator Set with Accessories

Fuller's spiral slide rule Calculator, by W. F. Stanley, London, in wooden case, together with a barograph, a Hockley Abbey John Rabone & Sons tape measure and a metronome (4), length 43 cm. Provenance: The Estate of Neville Grace, Sydney

Set of three Imperial Standard measures, Bushel, Half Bushel…

19th Century Imperial Standard Brass Measures

Set of three Imperial Standard measures, Bushel, Half Bushel and Peck, solid case brass, 19th century Set of three Imperial Standard measures, Bushel, Half Bushel and Peck, solid cast brass, 19th century engraved 'Victoria, J. McEwan & Co. London and…

Set of 7 Victorian Government measures of capacity from Old…

Victorian Government's Imperial Standard Volume Measures

Set of 7 Victorian Government measures of capacity from Old Melbourne Observatory circa 1940. Gallon, half gallon, quart, pint, half pint, gill & half gill. In one box with glass strike discs. Each brass measure is hand engraved 'Imperial Standard,…

A large brass two handle grain measure, inscribed 'Imperial…

Brass Imperial Bushell Measure with Glass Top

A large brass two handle grain measure, inscribed 'Imperial Standard Bushell Victoria', fitted with a glass top, 25.5 cm high, 47.5 cm diameter

A Carrington cocktail shaker, together with silver plate…

Silverware and Cocktail Set

A Carrington cocktail shaker, together with silver plate measures, spill vases and a pair of deep dishes

Four various pewter measures, late 19th century

Late 19th Century Pewter Measures Set

Four various pewter measures, late 19th century