Since ancient times, pewter, a precious and collectible metal, has been employed in household goods. Its primary component is tin, and the scrap value per pound is about $4. Yet, collectors may place a significantly higher value on antique and historic pewter products.
Pewter can be hard to distinguish from other metals like silver and bronze, making it difficult to value. This is a guide on identifying pewter, how to value it, and how to sell it.
What is Pewter?
A malleable metal called pewter is made of tin, antimony, copper, bismuth, and occasionally silver. The alloy has been used for millennia to make dinnerware and decorative metal objects. The various varieties of pewter and their worth are covered in this article.
Pewter types
Lead-free pewter, Britannia, lead-free gravity cast pewter, tin pewter, and other varieties of pewter all have various compositions and properties (with Bismuth).
Britannia
A specific kind of lead-free, silvery-looking pewter alloy is known as Britannia. Metal is spun rather than cast. As it was less expensive and more enduring, it was employed as a substitute for silver in household objects. The Oscar statuettes and jewelry are made of Britannia.
Cast in Gravity Pewter (Lead-Free)
A large amount of copper and antimony are present in this kind of pewter, which is produced using an open-faced mold. The mold is protected from adhering by refractory materials. Jewelry and game pieces are made from pewter that has been gravity cast.
Pewter Tin
Tin pewter is more affordable and contains more tin than other varieties. Figurines and models are utilized as ornamental pieces.
Free of Lead Pewter (with Bismuth)
Bismuth is used in lead-free pewter as an alternative to hazardous lead. It is used to create decorations, creative products, reward medals, and jeweler.
The cost of pewter
Due to the high tin content, pewter is not as valuable as gold, silver, or platinum. Pewter items typically cost between $7 and $11, however depending on their rarity, quality, and authenticity, rare antique pewter items can be worth thousands of dollars.
Recognizing Pewter
Pewter is a silver-colored metal that evenly ages and develops marks and hints about its age. It does not tarnish, unlike silver, which can aid in separating it from silver. Depending on its place of origin and time period, pewter can have a basic or ornate aesthetic. The design of early American pewter is simple and practical.
Look for distinguishing signs like the pewterer’s mark, capacity/verification marks, and ownership marks to recognize pewter. You can use these indicators to identify the pewter’s age and place of manufacture. Pewter may, however, look like other metals like silver and bronze and can even be plated with gold or silver, making it difficult to tell it apart. It is important to speak with a pewter expert if you are unsure about the marks.
Price of Pewter
Your pewter item’s worth can be greatly affected by its age, condition, and maker. In contrast to specialty objects like sculptures, figurines, and vases, which may sell for up to $5,000 or more on the antique market, everyday things like mid-20th century dishware typically sell for less than $100.
Depending on characteristics including style, age, and condition, antique and vintage pewter goods may be valued significantly more than their scrap value. Pewter may not be accepted by all scrap yards due to its possible collectable value. Consult an appraiser or an antique dealer if you’re unsure of the pewter item’s worth.
Pewter can be sold most successfully at antique fairs or through licensed antique dealers. The Pewter Society hosts two member-only auctions each year. Finding genuine pewter specialists at antique fairs will help ensure you get a fair price for the item. Antique sellers have the knowledge to appropriately appraise the item.
PewterSellers.com and online auction platforms like eBay are internet resources for pewter sellers. You can estimate the worth of your pieces by comparing them to comparable products on eBay’s collectible pewter page. It’s crucial to upload polished, professional photos of your pewter when selling it online. Since consumers prioritize the condition of the pewter’s surface, photographs should emphasize the item’s color, texture, and condition. Highlight any touch or capacity markings for authenticity.
If your pewter piece cannot be identified by its characteristics or markings, you can consult The Pewter Society or a member-dealer of the Pewter Collectors’ Club for guidance. Your item might be a contemporary reproduction that appears old, therefore professional assistance can reveal its true nature.
Conclusion
Pewter is a sturdy, priceless metal that has been used for generations to create both ornamental and practical objects. Pewter is still a widely utilized material in jeweler production and other sectors, despite not having the same value as other precious metals.
Moreover, it should be noted that pewter is a rare and collectible metal that can be difficult to recognize and value. The item’s worth can be considerably influenced by its age, condition, and manufacturer.
Although authorized antique dealers and antique fairs are the finest places to sell pewter, online tools like PewterSellers.com and eBay can be helpful as well. It is crucial to offer high-quality images that clearly show the item’s color, texture, and state when selling online.