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While the term pewter covers a range of tin-based alloys, the term English pewter has come to represent a strictly-controlled alloy, specified by BSEN611-1 and British Standard 5140, consisting mainly of tin (ideally 92%), with the balance made up of antimony and copper. Significantly, it is free of lead and nickel. Although the exact ...
Pewter (/ ˈ p juː t ər /) is a malleable metal alloy consisting of tin (85–99%), antimony (approximately 5–10%), copper (2%), bismuth, and sometimes silver. [1] In the past, it was an alloy of tin and lead , but most modern pewter, in order to prevent lead poisoning , is not made with lead.
Britannia metal (also called britannium, Britannia ware, [1] or Vickers White Metal [2]) is a specific type of pewter alloy, favoured for its silvery appearance and smooth surface. The composition by weight is typically about 92–93% tin , 5–6% antimony , and 2% copper .
Historic pewter, faience and glass tableware. In recent centuries, flatware is commonly made of ceramic materials such as earthenware, stoneware, bone china or porcelain.The popularity of ceramics is at least partially due to the use of glazes as these ensure the ware is impermeable, reduce the adherence of pollutants and ease washing.
In 2008, a pewter continental dollar was auctioned for the record price of $264,500. In 2015, a silver continental dollar was auctioned off for a record $1,527,500.
The silver bullion coins of the Royal Mint issued since 1997, known as "Britannias" for their reverse image, were minted in Britannia standard silver until 2012, when they switched to 999 pure silver. Britannia silver should be distinguished from Britannia metal, a pewter-like alloy containing no silver.
The French have two standards for silver purity or fineness. The higher is 950 parts per thousand, or 95% silver referred to as 1st Standard. The lower grade of silver is 800 parts per thousand, or 80% silver referred to as 2nd Standard. Both standards are marked with the head of Minerva inclusive of a numeral 1 or 2 to indicate the standard.
Queen's Metal, an alloy of nine parts [1] tin and one each of antimony, lead, and bismuth, is intermediate in hardness between pewter and britannia metal.It was developed by English pewtersmiths in the 16th century; [2] the recipe was initially a secret and was reserved for pieces made for the English royal family.