Pewter is a is a malleable metal alloy, traditionally 85–99% tin, with the remainder consisting of copper, antimony, bismuth or lead. It was first produced around the beginning of the Bronze Age circa 4000 B.C. It came into existence in Europe in the Middle ages (5tᵗʰ - 15ᵗʰ century) and was produces in heavy numbers. By the 12ᵗʰ century pewter was first being controlled by constituents of town guilds in France, controlling the fines of the pewter's grade against the added alloys. England began this process in the mid 15ᵗʰ century. Pewter was the chief tableware until the making of porcelain. Mass production of pottery, porcelain and glass products has seen pewter universally replaced in day-to-day life. "Unlidded" mugs and lidded tankards may be the most familiar pewter artifacts from the late 17ᵗʰ and 18ᵗʰ centuries, although the metal was also used for many other items including porringers, plates, dishes, basins, spoons, measures, flagons, communion cups, teapots, sugar bowls, beer steins, and cream jugs. There are mainly 4 countries which produced pewter in Europe, which are; England, France, Netherlands and Germany.

Such pewter articles are often seen in local auctions especially 17ᵗʰ and 18ᵗʰ century pieces. The local market is not as keen as the foreign on such articles but when a rare or a well crafted and decorated piece shows up, everyone would want to own!

Pewter articles are usually present in Fine Furnishings and Decorated Arts auctions at Centurion Auctioneers which are held regularly.

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Should you have any questions in regards to Pewter articles that you might wish to evaluate or to list in future auctions, please visit the CONTACT page , the VALUATIONS page or the REQUEST INFORMATION page or send an email to Centurion Auctioneers - info@centurion-auctions.com

A VERY RARE ENGLISH WRIGGLEWORK PEWTER FLAT-LID TANKARD
BY JOHN DONNE, CIRCA 1695-1700
The drum engraved with a portrait of William III with a crown and the crowned initials 'W.R.' the Royal supporters of a lion and unicorn to each side with a thistle and rose, the cover with a decoration of tulips and a row of four hallmarks, the touch inside base (O.P.1415a), with oak leaf thumbpiece and handle with spade terminal.


6½in. (16.6cm.) high overall.


Sold £19,200 Christie's auctions

AN ENGLISH WRIGGLED-WORK PEWTER PLATE
LATE 17TH CENTURY
Depicting William III within a border of flower scrolls, the reverse with the touch of the unknown maker 'C.B.' dated 1670 (P.S. 1295) and the ownership initials 'I.T.'.

8½ in. (21.8 cm.) diameter.


Sold £4,000 Christie's auctions

A UNIQUE ENGLISH PEWTER CANDLESTICK
EARLY 17TH CENTURY
With a high domed foot and wide mid drip-pan.

9in. (22.8cm.) high.


Sold £16,800 Christie's auctions

AN EXCEPTIONAL AND UNIQUE BROAD-RIMMED ENGLISH PEWTER CHARGER WITH ENGRAVED HUNTING SCENE
MID 17TH CENTURY
The rim decorated with groups of huntsmen chasing a deer, a rabbit, a stag a hare and a fox, the well with a raised boss, touch of the maker 'W.B.' with a horse or stag in a beaded circle (O.P.5485).

28¼in. (71.7cm.) overall; 4 7/8in. (12.4cm.) rim width.


Sold £72,000 Christie's auctions

AN ENGLISH WRIGGLEWORK PEWTER TANKARD
CIRCA 1685
The drum on a domed foot engraved with a dog within stylised flowering plants, the scroll handle with spade terminal and scroll thumbpiece, a later flat lid.

6½ in. (17 cm.) high overall.


Sold £1,125 Christie's auctions

A UNIQUE ENGLISH PEWTER SPOUTED FLAGON OR EWER
CIRCA 1500
The bulbous body with a raised reeded band, the zoomorphic spout in the form of a dog's head, twin ball thumbpiece, an incised Lombardic 'A' on cover.

8in. (20.3cm.) high overall.


Sold £24,000 Christie's auctions

A RARE ENGLISH PEWTER 'HIGH-BELL' CANDLESTICK
CIRCA 1600-1620
With a knopped stem and dished drip tray, decorated with bands of incised turning.

10 ¾ in. (27.5 cm.) high; 6 3/8 in. (16.2 cm.) diameter.


Sold £11,875 Christie's auctions

A DUTCH PEWTER GLASS-COOLER
THIRD QUARTER 18TH CENTURY, POSSIBLY THE HAGUE
Of oval shape with a scrolled and rockwork-cast rim flanked by scrolling foliate handles, above a spreading body and scrolled feet.

9¾ in. (24 cm.) high; 21 in. (53 cm.) wide; 13 in (33 cm.) deep.


Sold £3,824 Christie's auctions

'THE QUENIBOROUGH FLAGONS'. A PAIR OF IMPORTANT ENGLISH PEWTER BEEFEATER FLAGONS
BY SAMUEL BILLINGS OF COVENTRY, CIRCA 1685
Each with a drum inscribed 'John Frankes Minister, Thomas Bennet, Thomas Bennet, Churchwardens 1685', with a stepped cover and triple cusped thumbpiece, makers touch in base (O.P.425), 99 fl.oz capacity.

12in. (30.5cm.) high overall (2).


Sold £24,000 Christie's auctions

A UNIQUE ENGLISH PEWTER BANDED TAVERN POT
BY EDWARD UBLEY OF LONDON, CIRCA 1700
Of pint capacity, touch inside base (O.P.4853), a stamped crowned 'WR' verification to lip, and the initials 'T.C.A.' in triad form to handle, 21 fl.oz capacity.

5in. (12.7cm.) high.


Sold £9,600 Christie's auctions

AN ENGLISH PEWTER FLUTED BALUSTER KNOPPED SPOON
CIRCA 1600
Touch of the maker RH with a fleur-de-lys in bowl.

6in. (15cm.).


Sold £1,140 Christie's auctions

A GERMAN WOOD AND PEWTER INLAID TANKARD
THURINGIA, EARLY 18TH CENTURY
The scroll handle with ball finial and shield terminal inscribed '1705 A R H' the staved drum decorated with three running stags and foliage, five 'Baer' collection labels to underside.

5in. (12.7cm.) high.


Sold £750 Christie's auctions