This is not Pewter: beware

[milprileb]

I found some stuff marked Pewtarex, York Pennslyvania on the bottom.

I called this company: its not pewter and it has mostly aluminum in the alloy.

Heads up , if you come across this stuff, walk and don't buy it.

[birdadly]

There's another thread that says this, fyi, along with Sexton and Wilton. -Brad

[cajun shooter]

My wife has huge collection of Wilton. It does not contain one drop of tin. It's main metal is aluminum plus 6 others but no tin.

[imashooter2]

This site has a nice collection of real pewter hallmarks as well as this page of "not pewter" hallmarks...

http://www.pewtertankardsflagons.com/index.php?p=1_25_Aluminum-alloy-marks

[Jal5]

Anyone know if the Pewtarex plates or Wilton plates are worth anything to collectors? I have a lot of those dinner sized plates my mom was getting rid of.
Joe

[Shiloh]

It is a lot harder than pewter as well. Another type is called Britannica Metal.

Shiloh

[imashooter2]

Anyone know if the Pewtarex plates or Wilton plates are worth anything to collectors? I have a lot of those dinner sized plates my mom was getting rid of.
Joe

Ebay is full of Wilton and such either not selling, or going for pennies per piece. And now that they make you pay auction fees on the shipping, selling heavy items for low dollars is pretty unattractive...

[JIMinPHX]

Is there a good way to identify pewter by looking at it or doing a simple test of some sort???

[imashooter2]

Is there a good way to identify pewter by looking at it or doing a simple test of some sort???

You just have to get used to what real pewter looks and feels like. It's hard to go wrong if you only buy hallmarked pieces. A relevant thread:

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?t=127929

[frkelly74]

I just saw a set of plates on Antiques Road Show that was late 18th century . Eight plates valued at $3000. They made the comment that older pewter had a much higher lead content and also that pewter would oxidize and disintegrate over time if not protected. The best preserved pieces are the ones stored directly over the cooking stove where the grease from cooking would act as a preservative. For what it is worth.

[imashooter2]

It is unlikely that you will not recognize 18th century pewter when you hold it in your hands. Things that old simply look it.

20th century pewter is what we're melting.