Top 10 Rare Pewter Pieces for Collectors

Top 10 Rare Pewter Pieces for Collectors

Top 10 Rare Pewter Pieces for Collectors

Pewter has been loved for centuries, and rare pewter pieces are highly sought after by collectors. Let's explore 10 rare pewter pieces that every collector should know about.

Key Takeaways

  • Pewter is an alloy made of 85-95% tin with small amounts of other metals
  • Rare pewter pieces include antique tankards, 18th-century American teapots, and medieval pilgrim signs
  • Authenticity can be checked through touch marks, quality marks, and expert opinions
  • Taking good care of pewter is important to keep its value
  • Some modern pewter pieces can also be collectible, especially limited editions and special items

Understanding Pewter: What It's Made Of and How It's Made

Before we get to our list, let's talk about what pewter is. Pewter is a metal mix made of 85-95% tin, with small amounts of copper, antimony, and sometimes lead. This mix gives pewter its silver-like look and makes it great for making different objects.

People have been using pewter for thousands of years. The oldest pewter object we know of was found in an Egyptian tomb from around 1450 BCE. Pewter-making was most popular during the 16th and 17th centuries, which people call the "Golden Age of Pewter." During this time, pewter guilds were set up to make sure the craftsmanship was really good.

Top 10 Rare Pewter Pieces for Collectors

1. Antique Figural Tankards

Antique figural tankards are some of the most wanted pewter collectibles. These tankards often have detailed designs and can sell for a lot of money. The figures on them might show historical scenes, mythical creatures, or important people, making them valuable for both art and history.

1 Pint Lidded Baluster Tankard

This 1 Pint Lidded Baluster Tankard from A.E. Williams isn't antique, but it shows why people still love pewter tankards. It costs $166.95 and is a modern piece that looks like traditional pewter work. The baluster shape has been popular for hundreds of years, showing how pewter-making never goes out of style.

2. 18th Century American Teapots

American-made pewter from the 18th century is really valuable. A good 18th-century American teapot could cost $10,000-$15,000, which is about ten times more than a similar European one. This big difference in price shows how rare early American pewter is and how more people are getting interested in old American decorative items.

3. Medieval Pilgrim Signs

Medieval pilgrim signs are rare and very collectible pewter items. These small, decorative badges were worn by pilgrims to show their faith and the holy places they had visited. They often show saints, religious symbols, or Bible scenes, giving us a peek into how people practiced religion in medieval times.

4. 17th Century European Pewter Spoons

Pewter spoons from 17th century Europe are prized for their history and craftsmanship. A set of these spoons can be a valuable part of any collection. The designs of these spoons often show the art styles of the time, like Baroque or Rococo, and might have marks from famous pewter makers of that time.

5. Lidded Georgian Tankards

1 Pint Lidded Georgian Tankard

Pewter from the Georgian era is very popular. This 1 Pint Lidded Georgian Tankard, costing $166.95, is a modern version of the classic Georgian style. The Georgian period (1714-1837) was known for its elegant designs, which you can see in this tankard's graceful shape.

6. William and Mary Pewter Tankards

1 Pint Lidded William and Mary Pewter Tankard

William and Mary style pewter tankards are known for looking elegant. This modern 1 Pint Lidded William and Mary Pewter Tankard, costing $168.35, looks like the historical style. The William and Mary period (1689-1702) had more fancy designs, often with decorations inspired by Dutch and French styles.

7. Pre-1820 English Pewter Plates

English pewter plates made before 1820 are highly collectible. These plates can cost from $100-$200 for English ones, while American-made plates from the same time are worth a lot more. The value of these plates often depends on how good they look, if they have maker's marks, and any special decorations.

8. Federal Period Lighthouse-Shaped Teapots

Lighthouse-shaped teapots from the Federal Period (about 1780-1830) are rare and very popular with collectors. These unique pieces show how creative early American pewter makers were. The lighthouse shape wasn't just for looks - it also kept the tea hot longer and made it easier to pour.

9. Antique Pewter Candlesticks

Antique pewter candlesticks, especially from the 19th century, are popular among collectors. These useful and decorative pieces show us what home life was like in the past. Candlesticks can look very different, from simple and elegant to very fancy, showing how styles and tastes changed over time.

10. Rare Pewter Figurines and Statues

Pewter figurines and statues, especially those showing historical scenes or people, can be valuable collectibles. Old figurines in good condition can sell for over $1,000. These pieces often show how skilled the pewter maker was at creating detailed, 3D shapes and can teach us about historical events, fashion, and cultural practices of their time.

How to Spot Real Rare Pewter Pieces

When collecting rare pewter pieces, it's important to know how to spot real ones. Here are some key things to remember:

Key Points for Spotting Real Pewter

  • Look for touch marks that show who made it and where it's from
  • Check for quality marks like crowned rose or X symbols
  • Look at the overall condition and signs of age
  • Be aware of common fakes and copies
  • Get expert opinions for potentially valuable pieces

Touch marks, also called maker's marks, are really important for knowing where and when pewter pieces were made. These marks were stamped onto the pewter by the craftsman or workshop and can tell us a lot about where the piece came from. Quality marks, like the crowned rose or crowned X, were used to show how pure the pewter was and if it met guild standards.

The overall condition and color of a pewter piece can also give clues about how old it is and if it's real. Real antique pewter will show signs of wear and age, like a soft, dull finish and maybe small dents or scratches. But be careful - some fake antiques are made to look old on purpose.

Taking Care of Your Rare Pewter Collection

Taking good care of your pewter collection is important to keep its value. Here are some tips:

  • Clean pewter gently with warm, soapy water
  • Don't use harsh chemicals or rough materials
  • Store pewter in a cool, dry place to stop it from tarnishing
  • Handle pieces carefully to avoid dents or scratches
  • Keep records of where pieces came from and any repair work

Cleaning your pewter pieces gently and regularly can help keep them looking good. But some collectors like the natural color change that happens over time, as it can make antique pieces more interesting and valuable. Always ask an expert before trying to clean or fix valuable antique pewter.

Starting Your Rare Pewter Collection

If you want to start or grow your pewter collection, you might want to start with easier-to-find pieces like modern copies of classic designs. As you learn more, you can slowly add rarer and more valuable items to your collection.

Remember, the value of pewter items can be very different based on things like age, condition, who made it, and how rare it is. Always do your research and think about asking experts when buying expensive pieces. Going to antique shows, joining collector groups, and reading books about pewter can help you learn more and get better at spotting good pewter pieces.

Modern Pewter Pieces That Collectors Like

While old pewter pieces are very popular, some new pewter items are also interesting to collectors. Limited edition and special pieces can be particularly interesting. These items often mix traditional craftsmanship with modern designs, creating unique pieces that might become valuable in the future.

Celtic Knot Cufflinks Antique Silver

For example, these Celtic Knot Cufflinks in Antique Silver finish, costing $11.78, show how modern pewter pieces can mix traditional craftsmanship with modern design. The Celtic knot pattern is very old, but using it on cufflinks is a modern idea.

Conclusion: Why People Love Rare Pewter

Collecting rare pewter pieces is a fun way to explore history and craftsmanship. From old tankards to modern versions of classic designs, there's something for every collector. As you build your collection, remember to focus on pieces that you really like, whether it's because of their history, how they look, or just because you think they're beautiful.

Explore the world of pewter and discover the joy of collecting these timeless treasures. Whether you're an experienced collector or just starting out, the world of rare pewter pieces offers endless opportunities for discovery and appreciation. Each piece tells a story of its time, the person who made it, and the people who used and loved it over the years.