Overview of Pewter: Composition, Properties, Pros, Cons, Uses & Pewter vs Silver

Pewter is defined as a soft and malleable tin-based metal alloy used historically and presently, its color is dull gray. The earliest use of pewter can be traced back to the Roman era at least 2000 years ago, in ancient times, pewter contained about 30% lead and 70% tin, but modern pewter does not use lead to avoid toxicity.

Is pewter magnetic? No. Different from lots of other metals, pewter is not magnetic, or to say, magnets do not stick to pewter, as none of the elements of pewter are magnetic, regardless of whether it contains lead or not

Pewter composition (What is pewter made of)

Modern pewter comprises about 91% tin, 7.5% antimony, and 1.5% copper.

– Tin: 85 to 99%

– Antimony: 5 to 10%

– Copper: 2%

– Other elements: Bismuth and Silver (sometimes)

Pewter applications (What is pewter used for)

– Tableware: pewter was widely used for items like plates, bowls, tankards, mugs, measures, spoons, and basins before ceramic/glass took over.

– Decorative uses: Pewter continues to be cast into decorative products like statues, figurines, lamps, candlesticks, and picture frames for homes.

– Jewelry: Some pewter alloys can be made into pendants, rings, and bracelets often in vintage, steampunk, or Gothic styles.

– Game Figures: Pewter miniatures are popular for wargames, role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons due to their versatility.

– Modeling: The alloy can be cast, engraved, and painted for scale architectural models, ships, aircraft, and artifact replicas.

– Badges: Medals, pins, and belt buckles are commonly struck from polished pewter alloys for achievement awards.

– Ornaments: Intricate Christmas ornaments, nutcrackers, and snowglobes using cast, finished pewter parts.

– Flasks/Decanters: Tankards, flasks, and hip flasks in pewter are manufactured for barware or spirits.

– Buttons/Closures: Uniform buttons, insignia, and belt clasps have been made from polished, stamped pewter.