Page 40 - Curriculum Visions Dynamic Book

Pewter and bronze
Pewter was originally an alloy of 40% lead and 60% tin. Because
of the toxic effects of lead, modern pewter mostly contains tin with about 8% antimony as a hardening agent.
Pewter, which is a dark grey colour, was first made by the Romans, who used the tin from mines in Cornwall, England. As a result, England became an important centre for pewter.
Because it is quite soft, pewter was easily worked both by hammering and by turning on a lathe. It was used until the last century for all manner of goods, from utensils for the kitchen to goblets and chalices used in churches and monasteries. Pewter found
its way to many parts of the world, and much of the antique pewter found in North America and Australasia was made in England.
Since the 19th century, when pewter was replaced by more durable metals and ceramics, pewter has mainly been used
for decoration.
 Pewter was widely used because it was soft and
easily worked. However, the high lead content meant
that when it was used in articles intended for food or drink, some lead could be dissolved and produce a health hazard. Thus all modern pewter is lead free.
40