Did I Just Get Scammed? Pewter Ingots.

[G. Freeman]

Hello Folks,

Got scammed once on Ebay already. Spent $15 for a pewter mug that turned out to be fake (Wilton).

Description:
5 + lbs. Pewter Ingot Bar BULLION

This listing is for 5 Pewter Ingot Bar, totaling 5 + lbs.

See my other auctions for larger volume orders and discounts.

Each Pewter Ingot Bar weights slightly over one pound ( 1.05 to 1.25 lbs. ).
Total sold in this listing is in increments of 5 basr / 5 + lbs.

FREE SHIPPING to USA / Canada.


These are very CLEAN and great for casting, jewelry making, tableware, figurines, medals, badges, pins, etc.

Very shiny and smooth, pours nicely when melted.
Each bar is stamped "1 LB. PEWTER."
These are high quality and Non-Toxic.

SHIPPING:

USA / Canada is FREE SHIPPING.

These are sent out priority mail.

International Buyers Welcome, shipping fee varies by destination.
Thank you!

I received them today. They are soft and easily marked by my finger nail. When banging on my anvil, they dent easily though my melted COWW are still a little softer than these. Also, when rubbing with my fingers, I get a dark residue on my fingers just like pure lead.

I have some genuine unmelted pewter kitchenware that would not dent with fingernail pressure.

I just have a gut feeling that these "pewter" ingots may have lead mixed in. But how can I even tell?

I have sent a msg to the vendor.

What do you guys think? I'd appreciate your input. Thanks in advance!

[kevin c]

Modern food service pewter is lead free, but other versions can contain lead, and old pewter (the kind that's collectible) commonly did. Modern pewter is usually 90%+ tin, the balance being antimony and/or copper and the specific formulation makes the hardness vary some. My impression is the lead containing non food service versions have less tin, and are softer.

If it's lead containing pewter that will be used in casting alloy, then what you really want to know is what percentage of tin you have; the lead in the pewter will just be a smidgeon more in the over all scheme of things. That'll take an analysis if you want a specific number. Others will do the seat of the pants thing and just add small amounts until the melt casts well.

If you just want to know if there's any lead in the ingots you can get a lead testing kit at most hardware stores that'll give you a yes or no rather than a quantitative result.

ETA: a lot of sellers think Wilton's Pewterex is real pewter. That goes for a big local estate liquidator who should know better.

[StuBach]

See if local scrap yard has a X-ray gun and will give one of the ingots a quick analysis for you. Will give you a good answer.

If not available local, BNE on this forum will do it for the price of some material. Reach out to him for details if needed.

[richhodg66]

Why are you buying pewter sight unseen? Go to thrift stores, it shows up all the time and it's real easy to tell if it's actually pewter or not. Even if that mug had been real pewter, it would have had to be real heavy to have justified $15.

I have an awful lot of pewter stuff I haven't gotten around to melting down yet. Haven't done much lately, but I like to peruse thrift stores and you can often find pieces of it dirt cheap.

[Daekar]

If you send me a 1 pound ingot representative of the alloy you're concerned about, I will XRF test it for you. I keep the ingot, and you get XRF reports. I will do a surface test and a test on the cross-section after cutting it in half to make sure migration and contamination are accounted for. Hit me up via PM if you are interested.

[Garyshome]

Are you paying with paypal? If so you can get your $$$$ back.

[762sultan]

You have to be a smart shopper on EBAY. Never even consider buying from anyone with a low number of previous sales...his is 30 ,I won't touch anything less than 100. Also his complaint percentage is high...30 sales and 3 complaints...that's 10% of his sold items weren't any good. They may prove to be okay but they are only a deal if they are legit. Why take a chance, go to a local thrift store. It's time for spring cleaning and people will be donating things to the thrift stores and you might be able to bring home a nice stash.

[JSnover]

Ebay is the last place I'd buy anything like that. Find a Reputable Source. Whatever it cost per pound from Rotometals, subtract $15 from the total cost of your order; That's how much you would have saved if you hadn't gone to eBay.

[farmbif]

I got burned at the thrift store before I knew what I was doing, if I can't deform it with my fingers I probably aint gonna mess with it. it should be soft. I find it amazing scammers would be selling tin, usually its gold and silver that scammers try to cash in on-- yeah, buy this big 5 microgram hard struck solid gold coin.

[Tripplebeards]

When I melt pewter into ignots and tap on them they make a loud tinging sound like they are make of steel! The ignots look like lightly speckled aluminum colored. When melted into ignots I can’t mark them with my fingernail... Before melt, yes. I d return both with the eBay money back guarantee. Wilton does not make real pewter.

[JimB..]

OP, please add location to your profile, if you’re close I’m happy to lend a hand.

It seems that you’re just starting out, if that’s the case shoot me a PM with your address and I’ll help you with a little pewter.

And stay away from ebay!
Jim

[GregLaROCHE]

I’ve sometimes been unhappy with eBay purchases. Usually the item turns out to be a lot smaller than I thought it was. I bought some tin from an internet site with all sorts of things for sale by different sellers. It turned out to be a good deal. I have a bunch of items to be melted down from flea markets, but depending on where you are, there may not be any for sale in thrift shops. At least according to other posts I’ve seen in the past. If you are just starting out, you can always buy some from Roto Metals. That way you know for sure what you have. You normally don’t need to add that much, so it shouldn’t be too expensive.

[Burnt Fingers]

Yeah ya did.

[imashooter2]

Those ingots don’t look anything like what I cast. Over 600 pounds sold here without complaint a few years back. I’m fairly certain of what I had...

http://imashooter2.com/pictures/pewz1.jpg

[bangerjim]

Pewter??????????


From Ebay???????????????


From an unknown source?????????????


With no XFR gun analysis furnished????????????????


"I don't think so Tim".

Don't buy pewter from ebay unless it is still in the food utensil original form and is stamped CLEARLY "pewter".

And never in ingots, unless on here from someone we know and trust.

Sorry you got stung.

banger

[Cord]

Having been burned a couple of times, I try to be very cautious on eBay.

Just looking at the seller's name would be enough for me to not buy from him.

What kind of person would do business under the name: "merchantsofobscenity" ??
.

[Conditor22]

Returns:
Seller does not accept returns

I would avoid this seller + his rating in only 90%

[oley55]

Returns:
Seller does not accept returns

I would avoid this seller + his rating in only 90%

^^^^this^^^^

[The Dar]

There is no Santa Claus, or Tooth fairy, but there is always the possibility of getting burned on eBay.

[GregLaROCHE]

If you’re not happy with the purchase, be sure to give the seller a bad review to help others in the future. Don’t just forget about it.

[Tripplebeards]

^^^^this^^^^

You can still return both items under a false ad listing because both items were not pewter and listed as so. If you buy something off eBay it’s damaged or a misrepresented listing eBay has a buyer money back guarantee buyer protection policy whether it’s listed as no returns or not. File a return with eBay and it will get refunded. Just put in the comments item was falsely listed as pewter and it’s not.

The Salvation Army, good will, and local thrift stores have pewter here every week. Some to way to high priced and some cheap. Look under the pewter picture posts on the forum and start shopping locally.

[G. Freeman]

Hello Guys,
Thanks for your input. I have left a bad review and will ask help from Ebay to resolve. From the reviews, a lot of other buyers have been buying these without knowing their real composition. I'm very certain pure lead was added to these ingots.

I sent a msg to the seller 48 hrs ago, but no response yet. Ebay requires 72 hrs before asking for their assistance. If I don't get a resolution, I shall go to my cc company.

[Traffer]

Hello Guys,
Thanks for your input. I have left a bad review and will ask help from Ebay to resolve. From the reviews, a lot of other buyers have been buying these without knowing their real composition. I'm very certain pure lead was added to these ingots.

I sent a msg to the seller 48 hrs ago, but no response yet. Ebay requires 72 hrs before asking for their assistance. If I don't get a resolution, I shall go to my cc company.

I think you are at the point where you pretty much need to get them xrf tested. I have had situations buying on eBay where I thought I got ripped off only to discover later that the seller was being honest and it was I who made the mistake.
I have also been ripped off on eBay. I raised holy heck with the seller the system and ALWAYS got my money back. Invariably they were kicked off eBay. Oddly one of my worst blunders in getting ripped off was here on CB.

[wildwilly501]

So you're not sure what you have but you left a bad review.Why didn't you wait the 72 hrs for a response.Sometimes the sellers don't answer as fast as we would like.I'm not a big ebay buyer anymore I was years ago when prices were better.I've had a few issues most were resolved by the seller a good seller doesn't want bad ratings.Did you look at how many sale he had and his ratings before you bought.Giving him a bad rating before you know for sure what you have or letting him contact you wasn't right and no I don't sell in ebay

[725]

caveat emptor

[Tripplebeards]

Hello Guys,
Thanks for your input. I have left a bad review and will ask help from Ebay to resolve. From the reviews, a lot of other buyers have been buying these without knowing their real composition. I'm very certain pure lead was added to these ingots.

I sent a msg to the seller 48 hrs ago, but no response yet. Ebay requires 72 hrs before asking for their assistance. If I don't get a resolution, I shall go to my cc company.

eBay has a money back guarantee whether the seller doesn’t accept returns or not if the item was misrepresented, damaged, or fraudulent. eBay will refund you, you just have to be patient and it probably will take 10 days because you’ll have to go into “eBay escalation” after the seller doesn’t return your money. Then after another day or two eBay refunds you. Takes a good 10 days to two weeks but you’ll get your money back. Just make sure not to buy pewter unless it’s in your hands to inspect first next time. My guess is the seller sold you pure, or close to pure, lead.

[Rich/WIS]

Have had decent luck with my few Ebay purchases but have also noticed many of the sellers are not very familiar with what they sell. Some may be knowledgeable about shooting related items but many are not and unknowingly misrepresent items. It pays to examine the photos carefully.

[JonB_in_Glencoe]

caveat emptor

So very true on Ebay.
I buy plenty of items on ebay. I always research the seller and their feedback. If there is anything about the photos or descriptions that make me feel skeptical, I ask questions. If I get any bad vibes from their answers, then I DO NOT buy.

[jsizemore]

I bought some chokes for 12ga. 1100 on ebay. Great price. Closeup showed the right gauge and still in the factory sealed blister pack. I got them only to find that they were 20ga. Package did read 12!!! No response from the seller. Contacted ebay and they stepped in. Waited a week for the seller to respond and when he didn't, ebay refunded my money electronically. Didn't even want the 20ga. chokes. My buddies girlfriend needed a set for 1100 to go dove hunting. Or duck. Can't remember. The next set I bought had closeup pics of the individual chokes.

[TimD]

Sorry to hear you got burned. I got burned on eBay once. It was a small part for an old Stanley plane. Coincidentally, it was the last time I bought anything from eBay. Consider it a $15 dollar lesson.

Life is too short for eBay.

[Dimner]

Sorry to hear you got burned. I got burned on eBay once. It was a small part for an old Stanley plane. Coincidentally, it was the last time I bought anything from eBay. Consider it a $15 dollar lesson.

Life is too short for eBay.

I have two shelves full of ebay Stanley planes. 3 of which were a learning experience for me on what to look for on the ebay.

[salpal48]

" Let the Buyer Beware"

[Oaks&Pines]

I like to buy marked stuff, seems to be everywhere, just have to find the right price.
279894
Stay away from Wilton, Google Pewter and read up on it and hunt some down.
I got 9 1/2# from one thrift shop for $20 was a coffee service set missing the creamer lid, all went in the pot but the platter so far.:p

[Scrounge]

Hello Folks,

Got scammed once on Ebay already. Spent $15 for a pewter mug that turned out to be fake (Wilton).

Description:
5 + lbs. Pewter Ingot Bar BULLION

This listing is for 5 Pewter Ingot Bar, totaling 5 + lbs.

See my other auctions for larger volume orders and discounts.

Each Pewter Ingot Bar weights slightly over one pound ( 1.05 to 1.25 lbs. ).
Total sold in this listing is in increments of 5 basr / 5 + lbs.

FREE SHIPPING to USA / Canada.


These are very CLEAN and great for casting, jewelry making, tableware, figurines, medals, badges, pins, etc.

Very shiny and smooth, pours nicely when melted.
Each bar is stamped "1 LB. PEWTER."
These are high quality and Non-Toxic.

SHIPPING:

USA / Canada is FREE SHIPPING.

These are sent out priority mail.

International Buyers Welcome, shipping fee varies by destination.
Thank you!

I received them today. They are soft and easily marked by my finger nail. When banging on my anvil, they dent easily though my melted COWW are still a little softer than these. Also, when rubbing with my fingers, I get a dark residue on my fingers just like pure lead.

I have some genuine unmelted pewter kitchenware that would not dent with fingernail pressure.

I just have a gut feeling that these "pewter" ingots may have lead mixed in. But how can I even tell?

I have sent a msg to the vendor.

What do you guys think? I'd appreciate your input. Thanks in advance!

Have you checked what RotoMetals wants for 1lb ingots of pewter? If the stuff you bought is pewter, you got a good deal, as RotoMetals was selling 1lb ingots of pewter for $22.99 each the first time I looked at this thread. Just looked again, still the same price at RotoMetals. If you buy a 1lb roll of Forney's 95/5 tin/antimony solder, it's $36 at Home Depot per their website. It's pretty soft, too. A little more tin, and a little less antimony than the RotoMetal Pewters.

Not to mention that "Real" Pewter, the stuff they've been making pewter dishes, cups, and such out of for centuries, always had lead in it. If you want a specific alloy, you need to source it by the percentage composition. "Pewter" is like asking for Pot Metal when you're doing non-boolit metal casting. Pot metal is whatever was in the pot as the time they made the pour, and when they fill the furnace back up there's no telling what's going in the pot next.

[Teemu]

I had old pints which are Sn/Sb/Pb mix. But over 95% Sn it crackles when you bent or crush it. Pints has marked something at bottom also. Like picture above
Same as 99,9% Sn bars. When I use pliers or chisel and hammer to make it smaller pieces still those smaller pieces crackles when bent or crush. Thats good way to know you have at least + 95% Sn

of couse you can bent or crush anything on evilbay before buying...

[TimD]

I have two shelves full of ebay Stanley planes. 3 of which were a learning experience for me on what to look for on the ebay.

I needed a cap iron for a No 40. The bottom of the cap iron sent was snapped clean off. Couldn't tell from the pictures. Went back and forth, finally decided it wasn't worth the bother and found a replacement elsewhere.

[Tripplebeards]

I hit the thrift stores when I passed them the last couple of days. I found this one pound three ounce pewter stamped mug for $3.99

https://i.imgur.com/ukFw3qV.jpg

I also found a little pewter flower vase I picked up for a $1.99 that was maybe a third of a pound if I’m lucky. If I see pewter and it’s under $2.99 I normally grab it.

[G. Freeman]

Thanks guys for the input. The seller has been very accommodating and we have worked out a resolution. He seems to be an honest guy and told he would test those ingots when he gets them back.