The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1906-09-09

London makers from about the middle
Of the eighteenth century. The PiggottS
made from iT25 to ITO, and sent much ware
here. Smith and Leapidge and the Spack-
mans were also large makers Of first class
ware.
Dixon & Sons and the Vickers did not
make pewter, though the owners OF many
tea sets will declare they did. These two
firms made white metal, which was also
called Britannia ware.
There were many pewterers in this coun-
try. some Of the best known being Kirkby
Thomas Boardman. Boardman Il Hart, or
Boardman & Co. Some OF the pieces OF
the last named firm bear the words New
York. They had a shop in Burling Slip
till 1s4I. at which time they dropped the
making of pewter and substituted Britain
mia ware. In fact. after this date the trade
Of pewterer disappears from the New York
directories.
Hamlin. New York, is another American
mark; so are Reed 4 Barton, Robert Boyle.
Francis Bassett, John Halden and James
Ieddell. Romans & Co. was a firm in
Cincinnati. and Sellew was another maker
in the same city. Graves and Henry
Shrimpton we're New England names.
and there is much good American pewter
which bears no mark at all.
The question OF prices is always a Diff
ficult one to settle. Plates in good con-
dition, 8. 0. 10 or IL inches in diameter
should bring from s1.25 to $3.50 each. Large
platters and chargers, from IL to 10 inches
in diameter. are worth from So to SO each.
When they measure 20 inches or more
or are embellished with work of any kind
they are worth considerably more.
1t is unfortunate that much new pewter
is being worked of as antique. There
are quaint vessels for drinking. much like
a tankard in form and Of Scotch origin.
known as ~tappit hens which are being
reproduced in large numbers and sent
TO this country. Porringers OF inferior
quality are also on sale. but the ears are
soldered on. and tho work on them Is poor.
Before buying pieces like these it is best
TO know their history.
With regard 70 cleaning pewter there is
much diversity Of opinion. Foreign mu-
seums keep their pewter dull, and there Is
a certain pleasing quality in tho soft gray
q u~nburnishSd pewter
For those who prefer it bright, the follow
ing meLnOO IL recommended soak your
pieces for a day or two, il very dull, in water
in which a small quantity Of potash has been
dissolved, a bit Of the size of a hickory nut
to each quart Of water being the proper
proportion. When you take the pieces out
rub them carefully with a cork dipped in
oil and a little Of the finest sand. Then
polish with a channels skin and whiting.
The sand is not recommended by the
experts, but it is often used, and when oncs
your pewter is well cleaned you can keep
it bright by frequent applications OF hot
water and soap.
During the past year or two there has
been a revival Of interest in pewter. II is
being extensively used in country houses
instead of silver, for, being Of less value, it
does not require storing when the family
returns to the city n the house is closed.
Some firms are reproducing the old patterns
which were used nearly a hundred years
ago. and hollow ware like tea sets, pitchers,
tankards, ewers and mugs can 10 obtained.