Pewter: a review of manufacturers, the benefits and harm

Ware from tin does not belong to kitchen objects of daily use. During the Middle Ages, it was very popular and was found on the tables only with noble people. Outwardly tin cookware is very similar to silver, so it was often a welcome purchase among German burghers.

Germany is considered the birthplace of the standard tin craft, where the first deposits of metal were discovered on the territory of ancient Saxony. And also in the territory of medieval Britain, tin products were especially popular. The improved quality of the metal alloy, grinding with the help of a new technique of rotational processing significantly elevated tin over silver products and opened up the possibility for the industrial production of dishes from it.

Tin has always been considered an inaccessible and expensive mineral due to its “modest” deposits. For the same reason, it is the fourth of the noble metals, yielding to the position of platinum, gold and silver. Today, tin products also have aesthetic and practical value.

For the manufacture of tin products not pure metal is used, but alloys. Typically 95% tin is used, and the remaining 5% can be copper or antimony. Such a compound is absolutely safe, it does not interact with food, does not oxidize and does not smell. For the same reason, in dishes prepared in pewter, maximum benefit is retained, since they practically do not lose vitamins and taste.

There are opinions that tin dishes can cause significant harm to human health. However, this is possible only in the presence of lead impurities in its composition, the presence of which will be indicated by a fast darkening of the product.

To preserve the decorative qualities and extend the service life of tin dishes need to comply with certain conditions of care:

• prolonged storage of food in dishes is not allowed;
• due to the "softness" of the metal, it is not recommended to wash in the dishwasher, as well as to clean with the help of rigid brushes and aggressive detergents;
• To remove contamination from tin products, use warm water and a soft sponge with a small amount of dishwashing detergent;
• for polishing products from tin, you can use a silver or brass polish, which is applied to a soft cloth and gently spread over the surface;
• to dry dishes from metal should be on a special dryer or spread towel.

When choosing a souvenir or tableware from tin, preference should be given to reliable manufacturers with a good reputation, who have the appropriate certificates of product quality.

Today, one of these companies is the Austrian-German brand. Artina SKS, which for the 50-year existence on the European market has positively established itself in the field of decorative tin production.

Of particular interest are anniversary collections of dishes, the themes of which are Germany and its cities, as well as hunting and fishing.. Unique tin plates, beer mugs and decanters, decorated with the help of skillful bas-reliefs and engravings, will be a memorable gift for a solemn event.

Italian company Cosi tabellini has been manufacturing tin products since 1954. Own production factory produces more than 400 items of tableware, dishes, interior items (vases, lamps, mirrors), as well as table and other accessories (ashtrays, magnifiers, calendars). Impeccable design, originality of forms, manual work on each product are a guarantee of Italian quality and comply with EU standards.

Another reputable manufacturer of souvenir and dining utensils from tin is an English company. English pewter, founded in 1977 in Sheffield. The production is based on the use of a special alloy of tin and copper, a pewter, the quality of which is noted by world connoisseurs of art.

Worth noting that high-quality tin product has a considerable cost. Often unscrupulous manufacturers produce products from low-grade alloys (with a small amount of tin), which may indicate a suspiciously low price of the goods.

The main advantages of tin dishes are justified by positive reviews of collectors and connoisseurs of art, of which it should be noted:

• absolute non-toxicity of the metal;
• resistance to oxidation;
• food in tin dishes retains its healthy properties and natural taste;
• attractive design;
• "Solid" and status version of the gift.

Despite most advantages, tin cookware has some minor drawbacks, including:

• the rarity of the natural mineral, the laborious process of manual processing significantly increase the cost of its products;
• the porous structure of the metal, which excludes washing in the dishwasher and long-term storage of food in dishes;
• periodic need for polishing products;
• a large number of fakes.

Tin products are considered to be a sign of luxury and prosperity. The mineral composition of the metal is absolutely safe for health, which allows it to be used for the production of dishes and tableware. Their unique design and practicality will bring a zest to any interior, be sure to attract the attention of collectors and fans of medieval culture.

An overview of quality pewter is presented in the next video.