Other Definitions
pewter (dict)
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PewterPewter (also known as "antique silver") is an alloy, traditionally of anywhere between three and nine parts tin, and one part lead. Modern pewter mixes the tin with copper, antimony and/or bismuth, as opposed to lead. Physically, pewter is a bright, shiny metal that is very similar in appearance to silver; over time it will oxidize to a dull gray if left untreated. It is a very malleable alloy, being soft enough to carve with hand tools, and also takes good impressions from punches or presses. Some types of pewter pieces, such as candlesticks, would be lathed. Pewter has a low melting point, and duplication by casting will give excellent results. A pewter is also the colloquial name for any pewter-made container, especially a pewter tankard. Tankards are certainly the most common pewter artifacts, although the metal is also used for plates, cutlery and jewellery. Use of pewter was common from the Middle Ages up until the various developments in glass-making during the 18th and 19th centuries. Mass-production of glass products has seen glass universally replacing pewter in day-to-day life. Pewter artifacts continue to be produced, mainly as decorative or specialist items.
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