Pewter Dinnerware: Vintage Style, Modern Appeal

Vintage pewter dinnerware sets are a unique and elegant way to elevate your dining experience. Whether you're looking for a rustic farmhouse aesthetic or a more medieval-inspired feast, these sets offer a touch of old-world charm. From plates and bowls to serving trays and cutlery, vintage pewter dinnerware adds a sophisticated and individual twist to your table setting.

Vintage pewter plates

These plates are often highly polished and have a shiny finish, showcasing the beautiful patina that develops over time. Some plates may also be decorative, featuring intricate designs, scalloped edges, or embossed patterns.

When purchasing vintage pewter plates, it is essential to inspect the condition and ensure that the plates are free of significant damage or excessive wear. These plates are often cherished for their unique designs, historical value, and the elegant touch they bring to any table setting.

Vintage Wilton Armetale

The Wilton Armetale brand has a long history, with some pieces bearing the mark of the company's early manufacturing locations in Columbia and Mount Joy, Pennsylvania. The vintage Wilton Armetale pieces are often marked with "RWP" or "Armetale Pewter," indicating the company's use of a unique metal alloy that gives the items a distinctive appearance and makes them durable and ideal for serving food.

One of the standout items in the vintage Wilton Armetale collection is the Queen Anne pattern, which features a range of plates, bowls, and serving dishes. The Queen Anne pieces have a simple yet elegant design, often featuring a glossy finish and a subtle scalloped edge. The Flutes and Pearls pattern is another favourite among collectors, known for its intricate design that resembles flutes and pearls, as the name suggests. This pattern typically includes salad sets, bowls, and platters.

The Reggae pattern in the Wilton Armetale collection offers a more playful and vibrant design, often featuring a two-tier server, chip and dip sets, and soup tureens. The Plough Tavern pattern is also sought-after, evoking a rustic tavern feel with its satin matte finish and a range of goblets, plates, and pitchers.

Antique rustic 18th and 19th-century pewter dinnerware

Antique rustic pewter dinnerware from the 18th and 19th centuries showcases the beauty of an earlier era. Each piece tells a story of the past, with intricate designs, hallmarks, and unique touches that reflect the craftsmanship of its time. These rustic dinnerware sets, including plates and bowls, are typically made from pewter, a tin-based alloy that was commonly used for tableware before the discovery of new pottery and glass-making techniques in the 18th and 19th centuries.

One notable example of antique rustic 18th and 19th-century pewter dinnerware is the set of four pieces offered by Etsy. These plates and bowls showcase over 250 years of use with their dents, dings, and scratches. One plate is stamped for Johann Henschel, while the others bear the touch mark of IB Fein Block Zinn, featuring an angel with scales. These pieces measure 9.5 inches in diameter for the plates and 9.25 inches for the bowls, which are also 1.25 inches deep.

Another example is the rare antique 18th-century Dutch circular solid pewter spoon available on eBay. This piece, originating from the Netherlands, is a testament to the skilled craftsmanship of the time. It is marked with the touch mark of an angel and a rose, indicating its place of origin.

For those seeking a more comprehensive collection, Old Dominion Forge offers a range of antique pewter plates, bowls, and salt cellars. These pieces are handcrafted using original 18th-century moulds and lead-free pewter, ensuring an authentic dining experience for history enthusiasts. The plates measure 8.5 inches in diameter, while the bowls are 8 inches across and 1 inch deep.

In addition to dinnerware, antique rustic pewter items from this period also include candlesticks, mugs, and chargers. These pieces often feature intricate designs, such as wriggle work or beaded rims, and may bear the marks of their makers or owners.

Whether it's the rustic charm of well-used dinnerware or the intricate details of a rare spoon, antique rustic 18th and 19th-century pewter dinnerware offers a unique glimpse into the past, making it a sought-after addition to any historical collection.

Pewter Revere bowls

You can find vintage Paul Revere-style bowls on websites like Etsy and eBay. On Etsy, you can find a range of sizes and prices, with some bowls on sale. For example, a vintage small Paul Revere-style silver-plated bowl with a 4-inch diameter is on sale for $15.30, while a vintage Wallace Pewter Revere Bowl from the 1960s is listed at $1,282.65.

On eBay, the prices vary depending on the size, condition, and specific type of bowl. For instance, a vintage 4-inch Paul Revere reproduction bowl by Colonial Pewter is listed at $24.95, while a lot of three vintage Paul Revere pewter creamers and a small bowl is also available. Additionally, a vintage pair of small pewter bowls in the American and Paul Revere styles is offered without a listed price, encouraging potential buyers to make an offer.

These bowls can be engraved with your family name or other sentimental messages to create a unique family heirloom.

Pewter dinner plates

History and Origin:

Pewter has a long history, dating back to ancient times. It is a versatile metal alloy that has been used for centuries to create tableware, decorative items, and even jewellery. The composition of pewter has evolved over time, with early pewter containing mostly tin, and modern pewter often including other metals such as copper and antimony for added strength and durability.

Care and Maintenance:

Caring for your vintage pewter dinner plates is important to ensure their longevity. Pewter is a relatively soft metal, so it's essential to handle it with care and avoid using abrasive cleaners or scouring pads, as they can scratch the surface. Hand washing with mild soap and warm water is recommended. After washing, dry the plates thoroughly with a soft cloth to prevent water spots and tarnishing.

Shopping for Vintage Pewter Dinner Plates:

When shopping for vintage pewter dinner plates, you can explore options from various sources, such as antique stores, flea markets, online marketplaces, and auction websites. Here are some specific examples:

• Etsy: Etsy offers a wide range of vintage and antique pewter dinner plates. You can find individual plates, such as the rare antique 18th-century Master Benjamin Foster forged pewter dinner plate, or sets like the vintage Wilton Columbia dinner plates from the 1970s.
• EBay: eBay is another great source for vintage pewter dinner plates. You can find sets like the Norwegian Rokokko-Tin pewter place settings with serving pieces (50 pieces) or individual plates like the antique American pewter deep dish plate with the "LOVE BIRD" mark from Philadelphia, dated c. 1783.
• Antique Stores and Flea Markets: Exploring local antique stores and flea markets can be a fun way to hunt for vintage pewter dinner plates. You may come across unique pieces with interesting histories.
• Specialty Tableware Shops: Some specialty shops may carry vintage or vintage-style pewter dinner plates, allowing you to browse and inspect the plates in person before purchasing.

Tips for Buying Vintage Pewter Dinner Plates:

When buying vintage pewter dinner plates, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Condition: Look for plates in good condition, free from significant dents, scratches, or tarnishing. Minor surface scratches can be expected with vintage items, but deep scratches or dents may affect the structural integrity and value of the plates.
• Authenticity: Ensure the plates are genuine pewter by checking for markings or hallmarks. Antique pewter plates may have touch marks or initials indicating the maker and date of creation.
• Size and Quantity: Consider the size of the plates and the number of plates you need for your intended use. Vintage plates may come in varying sizes, and finding an exact match for a complete set can be challenging.
• Price and Rarity: Vintage pewter dinner plates can vary in price depending on their age, condition, rarity, and decorative details. Do your research to understand the market value and set a budget accordingly.

Vintage pewter dinner plates add a unique touch to your dining experience and can be a wonderful addition to your tableware collection. Happy hunting!

Frequently asked questions