"Poor Man's Silver" in Colonial Times

"Pewter is one of the oldest known alloys, dating back to the Bronze Age. Fine pewter is a tin based alloy consisting of at least 90% tin and 1 to 3 percent each of silver, copper, bismuth and antimony.  ASL uses only 100% lead free pewter for all casting and turning, making all ASL pewter suitable for use with food or beverage. Pewter does not tarnish in the same way a copper or silver will. The metal will oxidize at a slow, even rate, which results in a rich patina. This patina is considered a valuable enhancement to your pewter and shows the piece has been lovingly used. Pewtersmiths started bringing their work to a high polished finish at the beginning of the 1700's. This served several purposes. First, pewter was sometimes called "poor man's silver" and the polished finish reflected that moniker. Second, the polished finish was an instantly recognizable sign for any potential customer that the alloy used was free of lead or other impurities, since much lesser alloys would not hold a polish. Finally, the high shine demonstrated that the work was done by the mastersmith rather than by an apprentice or journeyman, whose work would have a satin or rubbed finish, which can hide flaws. No self respecting pewterer would have let anything with a dark finish out of the shop! The only reasons for pewter to be dark today are that the finish has been intentionally applied, the piece has lead in the alloy, or that the piece was cared for improperly and has become etched.  ASL Pewter is proud to offer historically accurate designs in the correct polished finish. An antique finish is available on most pieces for those who prefer a more primitive look."---ASL Pewter