Originally Posted by
Delkal
If the pewter is shiny and bright and is stamped pewter anywhere it is probably lead free. This is Brittania metal pewter and these pieces are usually spun to form and are not cast. The darker pieces that are not stamped pewter but have a makers mark are old and usually have lead in them. If you find pewter like this you need to research the piece because some are valuable and should not make the melt pile.
Just make sure to avoid anything that is stamped "peterex" or something similar. Then there is the Wilton Armetale stuff most people also call pewter. But it is an aluminum alloy and worthless. Unfortunately you see these 10:1 over real pewter.