Pewter pictures and hallmarks...

[RugerFan]

Do the pewter mugs wiith clear bottoms actually have a hallmark stamped on them somewhere? I've passed on several lately because of no markings.

[imashooter2]

Yes, they are usually stamped on the bottom edge next to the glass. There are several examples pictured in the thread. There are a lot of cheap aluminum glass bottom tankards out there. Anything with a riveted handle is not pewter.

[RugerFan]

Good to know, thanks. Also, I just got a decorative plate with a stamp on the back that says "92% ETAIN TIN." Anyone come across something like this? I'll to post a pic later. Having trouble doing it from my phone.

Edit to add pic:

[imashooter2]

Etain is French for "tin." I've seen it many times. That plate is the real deal.

[dbh1956]

I've got a decorative plate that's "ETAIN PUR". Pretty sure that's good tin/Sb for the casting pot.

[imashooter2]

Etain Pur means lead free pewter.

[Don Fischer]

Lot of people talk about this stuff but I've never heard what they do with it once it's melted? Is it mixed with lead for some reason?

[DerekP Houston]

Lot of people talk about this stuff but I've never heard what they do with it once it's melted? Is it mixed with lead for some reason?

For me, most of the lead I purchased locally is a mix of 95% lead and 5% antimony. The Pewter/Tin is added up to 2% to help with bullet fill out in the mould.

[imashooter2]

Lot of people talk about this stuff but I've never heard what they do with it once it's melted? Is it mixed with lead for some reason?

It's over 90% tin and is added to lead alloys the same as tin. It lowers surface tension to aid fill out and increases ductility.

[mold maker]

All the pewter I found last year, would easily fit in the watch pocket of my PJs.

[imashooter2]

I hardly look anymore and I've tripped over 40 or 50 pounds... It's all in your location, just like lead.

[RugerFan]

I don't find much pewter up here in AK, so while visiting our daughter over the holidays I took the opportunity to check out a few thrift stores. Found a few good items and will try to post some hallmarks soon.

[imashooter2]

Not a bad haul for a couple days in a strange location. Congrats!

[RugerFan]

Here's some of the hallmarks....

[imashooter2]

The KS Co and Old Sturbridge are new ones to me. Nice macro pics.

[RugerFan]

The KS Co and Old Sturbridge are new ones to me. Nice macro pics.

The KS Co is the long plate in the lower left corner of the group pic in post #1012.

Old Sturbridge is a Stieff brand (candle stick upper left corner). Here is an expanded pic...




One more...

[RugerFan]

I picked up this small ash tray looking thing at a local thrift store. It measures about 4" wide by 1" deep and has a .07" thickness (and weighs 3.5 oz). In the center of the underside where the hallmark should be is just some oriental characters. It has the look and feel of pewter and will bend easily by hand and doesn't spring back. It actually bends easier than other pewter I've dealt with of similar thickness (More lead content maybe?). Any ideas?


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[jsizemore]

Most of the Far East pewter is close to pure tin.

[imashooter2]

Concur, but I would melt it separately anyway...

[RugerFan]

Most of the Far East pewter is close to pure tin.

Concur, but I would melt it separately anyway...

Good to know, thanks.