Identification of markings on old pewter is not an exact science as there has been a somewhat chequered history down the centuries. Pewter markings provide some clues to the provenance and/or maker of particular pieces and can help in establishing value. Knowledge of pewter markings can also help to identify false pieces which are of the wrong vintage or carry marks at a supposed point in time when they were known to be unfashionable, banned or frowned upon.
Pewter Touch marks or 'touches'
Essentially these are the pewter maker's trademark and most commonly would consist either of initials, a symbol of the trade - such as a craft tool - or in the case of someone with an appropriate name (e.g.: Bacon) a pictorial symbol (e.g.: a pig) of the name. The term 'touch' originates from the practice of striking a mark on the touchplate of the Pewterer's Company at the time that the craftsman was admitted to the company. This practice was known to exist in the London and Edinburgh companies from the mid 16th century onwards and would most probably indicate that the pewterer had served a lengthy apprenticeship, had been presented to the court of the Peterer's Company and had sufficient capital to set up in business in his own right. As a result of the practice of recording such marks on the touchplate reasonable records exist to allow recognition of individual craftsman. Unfortunately not all touch marks were recorded in this way so their originators remain anonymous.
Pewter Hallmarks
The use of hallmarks on pewter has proved to be somewhat controversial. They became fashionable in the 17th century when pewter makers started to use either three, four or five marks, plus in some cases their initials, to mimic those which could be found on silver. As old pewter when new and polished looked very similar to silver this led to protests from silversmiths and eventually to the practice being outlawed by the Goldsmith's Company. This ban however was widely ignored and many marks continued on through into the 18th Century and can prove helpful, alongside other markings in identifying the maker.
Townmarks
Tended to be used prior to the 18th century to denote the town or city in which the craftsman worked. Normally the mark would use part of the seal or emblem of the town so would tend to be based on heraldic designs incorporated in the coat of arms. From the 18th century onwards such marks became increasingly obsolete as it become more common to incorporate the town within the pewterer's mark.
Quality marks
Early, extremely rare examples of what are believed to be quality marks were crowned hammers. It is however known that a crowned Tudor rose was used from the 16th century onwards to denote quality and that this was followed sometime later by a crowned X. Initially these symbols were used on goods for export to denote they were made in England but when the practice was copied on the continent - justified by the fact that many French makers used English tin - it led to considerable confusion. Some attempt was made to distinguish origin through variations of the mark, the most common difference being radial lines which appear on the continental rose but not the English.
Labels
Labels began to appear in the 18th century and there were numerous variations on a theme of what were essentially advertising slogans. In the main labels such as 'made in London', 'best English (or French) tin' or 'superfine hard metal' were designed to imply superior quality. The 'made in London' label in fact appeared on items from widely differing geographical locations by makers looking for the kudos of what at the time was considered the superior product.
Verification or excess capacity marks
Such marks are designed to confirm the capacity of vessels designed to hold liquids or verify that they have been checked. From around 1826 until the late 1870s each town had its own verification mark but vessels of a more recent vintage will contain the standard mark consisting of a crown, the monarch's initials and a number code signifying location.
Owner's marks
Occasionally items of pewter would be stamped with the owner's initials and/ or an engraved coat of arms or family crest.
Catalogue numbers
In the 19th and 20th century manufacturers started to stamp number on their products which tied back to a catalogue record. These numbers can be particularly helpful in pinpointing the age of specific pieces.
Learn more about pewter markings at http://oldpewter.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rachel_Lawton
Pewter Touch marks or 'touches'
Essentially these are the pewter maker's trademark and most commonly would consist either of initials, a symbol of the trade - such as a craft tool - or in the case of someone with an appropriate name (e.g.: Bacon) a pictorial symbol (e.g.: a pig) of the name. The term 'touch' originates from the practice of striking a mark on the touchplate of the Pewterer's Company at the time that the craftsman was admitted to the company. This practice was known to exist in the London and Edinburgh companies from the mid 16th century onwards and would most probably indicate that the pewterer had served a lengthy apprenticeship, had been presented to the court of the Peterer's Company and had sufficient capital to set up in business in his own right. As a result of the practice of recording such marks on the touchplate reasonable records exist to allow recognition of individual craftsman. Unfortunately not all touch marks were recorded in this way so their originators remain anonymous.
Pewter Hallmarks
The use of hallmarks on pewter has proved to be somewhat controversial. They became fashionable in the 17th century when pewter makers started to use either three, four or five marks, plus in some cases their initials, to mimic those which could be found on silver. As old pewter when new and polished looked very similar to silver this led to protests from silversmiths and eventually to the practice being outlawed by the Goldsmith's Company. This ban however was widely ignored and many marks continued on through into the 18th Century and can prove helpful, alongside other markings in identifying the maker.
Townmarks
Tended to be used prior to the 18th century to denote the town or city in which the craftsman worked. Normally the mark would use part of the seal or emblem of the town so would tend to be based on heraldic designs incorporated in the coat of arms. From the 18th century onwards such marks became increasingly obsolete as it become more common to incorporate the town within the pewterer's mark.
Quality marks
Early, extremely rare examples of what are believed to be quality marks were crowned hammers. It is however known that a crowned Tudor rose was used from the 16th century onwards to denote quality and that this was followed sometime later by a crowned X. Initially these symbols were used on goods for export to denote they were made in England but when the practice was copied on the continent - justified by the fact that many French makers used English tin - it led to considerable confusion. Some attempt was made to distinguish origin through variations of the mark, the most common difference being radial lines which appear on the continental rose but not the English.
Labels
Labels began to appear in the 18th century and there were numerous variations on a theme of what were essentially advertising slogans. In the main labels such as 'made in London', 'best English (or French) tin' or 'superfine hard metal' were designed to imply superior quality. The 'made in London' label in fact appeared on items from widely differing geographical locations by makers looking for the kudos of what at the time was considered the superior product.
Verification or excess capacity marks
Such marks are designed to confirm the capacity of vessels designed to hold liquids or verify that they have been checked. From around 1826 until the late 1870s each town had its own verification mark but vessels of a more recent vintage will contain the standard mark consisting of a crown, the monarch's initials and a number code signifying location.
Owner's marks
Occasionally items of pewter would be stamped with the owner's initials and/ or an engraved coat of arms or family crest.
Catalogue numbers
In the 19th and 20th century manufacturers started to stamp number on their products which tied back to a catalogue record. These numbers can be particularly helpful in pinpointing the age of specific pieces.
Learn more about pewter markings at http://oldpewter.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rachel_Lawton