Pewter Pitcher
Sterling silver
Origin of the alloy metal
Although the origin of the word "sterling" is controversial, there is general agreement that the sterling alloy originated in continental Europe, and was being used for commerce as early as the 12th century in the area that is now northern Germany.
Etymology
The earliest attestation of the term is in Old French form esterlin, in a charter of the abbey of Praux, dating to either 1085 or 1104. The english chronicler Orderic Vitalis (1075 - c. 1142) uses the Latin forms libr sterilensium and libr sterilensis monet. The word in origin refers to the newly introduced Norman silver penny.
The most plausible etymology is derivation from a late Old English *steorling "[coin] with a star", as some early Norman pennies were imprinted with a small star.
There are a number of obsolete hypotheses. One suggests a connection with starling, and another supposed connection with easterling, a term for natives of the Baltic or the Hanse towns of eastern Germany. This etymology is itself medieval, suggested by Walter de Pinchebek (ca. 1300) with the explanation that the coin was originally made by moneyers from that region (OED).
A century of dining regalia: the silver craze of 1840 to 1940
19th-century Tiffany & Co. Pitcher. Circa 1871. Pitcher has paneled sides, and repousse design with shells, scrolls and flowers. Top edge is repousse arrowhead leaf design.
From about 1840 to somewhere around 1940 in the United States and Europe, sterling silver flatware became de rigueur when setting a proper table. In fact, there was a marked increase in the number of silver companies that emerged during that period.
The height of the silver craze was during the 50-year period from 1870 to 1920. Flatware lines during this period sometimes included up to 100 different types of pieces. In conjunction with this, the dinner went from three courses to sometimes ten or more. There was a soup course, a salad course, a fruit course, a cheese course, an antipasto course, a fish course, the main course and a pastry or dessert course.
Individual eating implements often included forks (dinner fork, place fork, salad fork, pastry fork, shrimp or cocktail fork), spoons (teaspoon, coffee spoon, demitasse spoon, bouillon spoon, gumbo soup spoon, iced tea spoon) and knives (dinner knife, place knife, butter spreader, fruit knife, cheese knife). This was especially true during the Victorian time period, when etiquette dictated that nothing should be touched with one's fingers.
Serving pieces were often elaborately decorated and pierced and embellished with ivory, and could include any or all of the following: carving knife and fork, salad knife and fork, cold meat fork, punch ladle, soup ladle, gravy ladle, casserole serving spoon, berry spoon, lasagna server, macaroni server, asparagus server, cucumber server, tomato server, olive spoon, cheese scoop, fish knife and fork, pastry server, petit four server, cake knife, bon bon spoon, tiny salt spoon, sugar sifter or caster and crumb remover with brush.
Flatware sets were often accompanied by tea services, hot water pots, chocolate pots, trays and salvers, goblets, demitasse cups and saucers, liqueur cups, bouillon cups, egg cups, sterling plates, napkin rings, water and wine pitchers and coasters, candelabra and even elaborate centerpieces.
In fact, the craze with sterling even extended to business (sterling page clips, mechanical pencils, letter openers, calling card boxes, cigarette cases), to the boudoir (sterling dresser trays, mirrors, hair and suit brushes, pill bottles, manicure sets, shoehorns, perfume bottles, powder bottles, hair clips) and even to children (cups, flatware, rattles, christening sets).
A number of factors converged to make sterling fall out of favor around the time of World War II. The cost of labor rose (sterling pieces were all still mostly hand-made, with only the basics being done by machine). Only the wealthy could afford the large number of servants required for fancy dining with ten courses. And changes in aesthetics resulted in people desiring simpler dinnerware that was easier to clean.
Hallmarks
Over the years, most countries in the world have developed their own systems of hallmarking silver. The purpose of hallmark application is manifold:
To indicate the purity of the silver alloy used in the manufacture or hand-crafting of the piece.
To identify the silversmith or company that made the piece.
To note the date and/or location of the manufacture.
Miscellaneous
In addition to the uses of sterling silver mentioned above, there are some little known uses of sterling:
Medical instruments: Evidence of silver and/or silver-alloy surgical and medical instruments has been found in civilisations as early as Ur, Hellenistic-era Egypt and Rome, and their use continued until largely replaced in Western countries in the mid to late 20th century by cheaper, disposable plastic items. Its natural malleability is an obvious physical advantage, but it also exhibits medically-specific utility, including the fact that it is naturally aseptic, and, in respect of modern medical practices, it is resistant to antiseptics, heat sterilisation and body fluids.
Musical instruments: Due to sterling silver having a special sound character, some brasswind instrument manufacturers use 92.5% sterling silver as the material for making their instruments, including the flute and saxophones. For example, some leading saxophone manufactuers such as Selmer and Yanagisawa have crafted some of their saxophones from sterling silver, which they believe will make the instruments more resonant and colorful in timbre.
Tarnish and corrosion
As the purity of the silver decreases, the problem of corrosion or tarnishing increases.
Chemically, silver is not very reactivet does not react with oxygen or water at ordinary temperatures, so does not easily form a silver oxide. However, other metals in the alloy, usually copper, may react with oxygen in the air.
The black silver sulfide (Ag2S) is among the most insoluble salts in aqueous solution, a property that is exploited for separating silver ions from other positive ions.
Sodium chloride (NaCl) or common table salt is known to corrode silver-copper alloy, typically seen in silver salt shakers where corrosion appears around the holes in the top.
The Wikibook Do-It-Yourself has a page on the topic of
Polishing silver
Several products have been developed for the purpose of polishing silver that serve to remove sulfur from the metal without damaging or warping it. Because harsh polishing and buffing can permanently damage and devalue a piece of antique silver, valuable items are typically hand-polished to preserve the unique patinas of older pieces. Techniques such as wheel polishing, which are typically performed by professional jewelers or silver repair companies, are reserved for extreme tarnish or corrosion. See also Tarnish, Removal.
References
All About Antique Silver with International Hallmarks, 2nd printing (2007), by Diana Sanders Cinamon, AAA Publishing, San Bernardino, CA.
Origins: A Short Etymological Dictionary of Modern English, by lexicographer Eric Partridge.
The Oxford English Dictionary, by John Simpson and Edmund Weiner.
Silver in America, 18401940: A Century of Splendor, third edition (1997), by Charles L. Venable; Harry N. Abrams, Inc., New York, NY.
Tiffany Silver Flatware, 18451905: When Dining Was an Art, by William P. Hood, Jr.; 1999; published by the Antique Collectors Club Ltd., Suffolk, England.
The Encyclopedia of American Silver Manufacturers, revised fourth edition (1998), by Dorothy T. Rainwater and Judy Redfield; Schiffer Publishing Ltd., Atglen, PA.
The Book of Old Silver, English American Foreign, With All Available Hallmarks Including Sheffield Plate Marks, by Seymour B. Wyler; 1937; Crown Publishers, Inc., New York, NY.
International Hallmarks on Silver Collected by Tardy, 5th English Language reprint (2000); original publication date unknown, date of first softcover publication 1985; author unknown; publisher unknown.
External links
Online Encyclopedia of Silver Marks, Hallmarks & Maker's Marks, an award-winning site.
v d e
Jewelery
Forms
Anklet Belt buckle Belly chain Bracelet Brooch Chatelaine Crown Cufflink Earring lapel pin Necklace Pendant Ring Tiara Tie clip Watch (pocket)
Making
People
Bench jeweler Goldsmith Jewelry designer Lapidary Watchmaker
Processes
Casting (centrifugal, lost-wax, vacuum) Enameling Engraving Filigree Metal clay Plating Polishing Repouss and chasing Soldering Stonesetting Wire wrapping
Tools
Draw plate File Hammer Mandrel Pliers
Materials
Precious metals
Gold Palladium Platinum Rhodium Silver
Precious metal alloys
Britannia silver Colored gold Crown gold Electrum Platinum sterling Shakudo Shibuichi Sterling silver Tumbaga
Base metals/alloys
Brass Bronze Copper Kuromido Pewter Stainless steel Titanium
Mineral gemstones
Aventurine Agate Alexandrite Amethyst Aquamarine Carnelian Citrine Diamond Emerald Garnet Jade Jasper Malachite Lapis lazuli Moonstone Obsidian Onyx Opal Peridot Quartz Ruby Sapphire Sodalite Sunstone Tanzanite Tiger's Eye Topaz Tourmaline
Organic gemstones
Amber Copal Coral Jet Pearl Abalone
Terms
Carat (unit) Carat (purity) Finding Millesimal fineness
Related topics: Body piercing Fashion Gemology Metalworking Wearable art
Categories: Jewellery | Silversmithing | Silver | Jewellery making | Alloys | Precious metal alloysHidden categories: Articles lacking in-text citations from June 2009 | All articles lacking in-text citations
About the Author
I am an expert from China Crafts Suppliers, usually analyzes all kind of industries situation, such as reflective rain suit , plastic rain poncho.
Antique English Renaissance style (20th Cent) pewter pitcher
 |
 Old Sturbridge Village Stieff Pewter Water Pitcher SV9 13 6 Spies Pewter Cups $40.00 Time Remaining: 26d 21h 36m Buy It Now for only: $40.00 Buy It Now |
 Kirk Stieff Pewter Old Sturbridge Village Established 1802 DUPONT Water Pitcher $9.99 Time Remaining: 15h 12m |
 Wilton Armetale Flagon Lidded Coffee Tea Pot Pitcher $15.15 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 19h 35m |
 Pewter Goblets 8 Pitcher Bowl $59.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 3d 7h 57m |
 Vtg Lot of 5 Pewter Items Wilton Pitcher Pilgrim 783 Bowl Wallace P828 Creamer+ $18.99 Time Remaining: 7h 37m |
 Antique 19thC Yates Birch British Pewter Pitcher Mug Tankard NR $26.99 (5 Bids) Time Remaining: 17h 59m |
 Pewter pitcher cups tray International Pewter Henry Ford Museum Keller George $85.00 Time Remaining: 29d 12h 37m Buy It Now for only: $85.00 Buy It Now |
 VINTAGE WILTON PEWTER PITCHER MOUNT JOYPA 8 X 8 GREAT CONDITION $52.99 Time Remaining: 9h 52m Buy It Now for only: $59.99 Buy It Now |
 Old Rare Williamsburg Stieff Pewter pre Kirk short beer or ale pitcher $39.99 Time Remaining: 3d 17h 1m |
 Vintage Wilton Armetale Pewter Pitcher $24.99 Time Remaining: 1d 18h 4m |
 Vintage 1930s Art Deco Marion Pewter Tea Cream Individual Pitcher UnderPlate $12.99 Time Remaining: 21h 59m Buy It Now for only: $14.99 Buy It Now |
 Wilton RWP Pewter Creamer Pitcher USA $4.99 Time Remaining: 21h 53m |
 Stieff Pewter Pitcher $24.99 Time Remaining: 29d 13h 16m Buy It Now for only: $24.99 Buy It Now |
 Royal Holland Pewter Ice Lip Pitcher $0.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 16h 12m |
 Royal Holland Pewter Mini Tankard Pitcher KMD TIEL 2 1 4 $3.95 Time Remaining: 21h 44m |
 ANTIQUE VINTAGE CREAM SYRUP SERVER MINI PEWTER PITCHER WITH BOW THICK HEAVY MADE $4.77 Time Remaining: 19h 51m |
 Reed Barton Pewter Creamer Cream Jug Pitcher 75 Vintage Antique $29.99 Time Remaining: 20h 43m |
 PEWTER WATER PITCHER MARKED ON BOTTOM MDUSN $8.99 Time Remaining: 11d 7h 39m Buy It Now for only: $8.99 Buy It Now |
 Pitcher Metal Pewter with Handle $9.99 Time Remaining: 20h 57m Buy It Now for only: $12.99 Buy It Now |
 Pewter sugar and creamerpitcher4 inch high21 2widebowl31 4wide 21 4high $13.50 Time Remaining: 10h 6m Buy It Now for only: $15.00 Buy It Now |
 Vintage Signed French Pewter Pitcher $9.99 Time Remaining: 17h 48m Buy It Now for only: $11.99 Buy It Now |
 PEWTER PITCHER TANKARD with LIDDED DOUBLE ACORN FINIAL $29.99 Time Remaining: 18h 47m |
 PLYMOUTH PEWTER PITCHER 84058 antique original decor $17.99 Time Remaining: 23h 19m Buy It Now for only: $19.99 Buy It Now |
 Pewter Pitcher Preisner Water Classic Design 8 high $24.99 Time Remaining: 21d 7h Buy It Now for only: $24.99 Buy It Now |
 Vintage Wilcox P9 Pewter Pitcher 55 Tall w Hinged Lid $9.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 4d 11h |
 Pewter Pitcher Vase 2 Embossed Miniature Tumbler Cups FREE DOMESTIC SHIPPING $16.99 Time Remaining: 15h 36m Buy It Now for only: $19.95 Buy It Now |
 Vintage Oneida Pewter Pitcher Creamer on Brass base with handle 4 1 4 inch tall $6.99 Time Remaining: 20h 42m |
 Beautiful Victorian Swirled HAMMERED 95 PEWTER COFFEE POT PITCHER ITALY $14.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 3d 10h 34m |
 Small German Pewter Pitcher Eagle and A F Markings $8.95 Time Remaining: 22h Buy It Now for only: $11.95 Buy It Now |
 JS Co Vintage Pewter PITCHER TROPHY 875 X 525 120401059 $21.98 Time Remaining: 14d 9h 25m Buy It Now for only: $21.98 Buy It Now |
 Vintage Pewter Metal Mid Century Modern Deco Tea Hot Water Kettle Pot Pitcher $19.99 Time Remaining: 11h 38m |
 Wilton Armetale RWP Pewter Pitcher Sugar Bowl $34.99 Time Remaining: 1d 10h 14m |
 1836 RARE GERMAN DATED MARKED ANTIQUE PEWTER PITCHER $349.00 Time Remaining: 19h 32m Buy It Now for only: $384.99 Buy It Now |
 1836 RARE GERMAN DATED MARKED ANTIQUE PEWTER PITCHER $349.00 Time Remaining: 19h 32m Buy It Now for only: $384.99 Buy It Now |
 Vtg 70s Wilton Columbia Pa Armetale 12 Pitcher Tavern Water Heavy Vase $65.00 Time Remaining: 29d 15h 28m Buy It Now for only: $65.00 Buy It Now |
 Vintage ZINN PEWTER Ornate Tall Water Pitcher Excellent Unknown Maker $9.99 Time Remaining: 1d 15h 49m |
 VINTAGE ROYAL HOLLAND PEWTER PITCHER 60S $15.99 Time Remaining: 20h 43m Buy It Now for only: $19.99 Buy It Now |
 Vintage J D 92 HEAVY PEWTER ACORN Lidded Water Pitcher Tankard in Exc $9.99 Time Remaining: 1d 15h 51m |
 2 Pc Pewter Set Sugar Bowl With Lid Spoon Cream Pitcher REDUCED PRICE $10.00 Time Remaining: 10h 46m Buy It Now for only: $15.50 Buy It Now |
 Vintage Reed Barton Pewter Pitcher $19.99 Time Remaining: 1d 13h 56m |
 Marjolein Bastin Pewter Watering Can Pitcher with Bird Key Chain NEW $9.99 Time Remaining: 29d 21h 44m Buy It Now for only: $9.99 Buy It Now |
 MASTAD NORWAY PEWTER PITCHER $29.99 Time Remaining: 19h 49m |
 VINTAGE PEWTER PITCHER ACORNS ON LID EXCELLENT CONDITION10 $9.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 4d 13h 21m |
 Vintage Wilton Columbia Pa Armetale 12 Pitcher Tavern Water Heavy Vase $68.00 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 3d 15h 58m |
 WOODBURY PEWTER AMERICAN CIDER PITCHER HANDMADE IN USA $85.50 Time Remaining: 11h 32m |
 AUTHENTIC HACIENDA REAL MEXICAN PEWTER POPPY PITCHERLABELGUADALAHARA MEXICO $39.99 Time Remaining: 3d 15h 15m Buy It Now for only: $49.99 Buy It Now |
 ANTIQUE 2 QUART PILGRIM PEWTER HANDLED JUICE WATER PITCHER $18.99 Time Remaining: 29d 20h 39m Buy It Now for only: $18.99 Buy It Now |
 RUNE TINN PEWTER OLD HAMMERED NORWEGIAN KARAFE BUD VASE JUG PITCHER SIGNED VTG $29.36 Time Remaining: 13h 51m |
 Antique Pennsylvania farm Find 19th century Pewter Cream Pitcher $24.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 18h 59m |
 Miniature Pewter Creamer Pitcher KMD TIEL Royal Holland Pewter $2.99 Time Remaining: 9h 23m |
 Arts Crafts Period Pilgrim Friedman Pewter Pitcher $59.99 Time Remaining: 2d 20h 55m |
 Arthur Court American Traditional Pitcher, 2-Quart Sale Price: $135.00  Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionThis Arthur Court American Traditional Pitcher features a footed base, and a beautiful colonial design reminiscent of the stylish pewter pieces from long ago. The large spout is handy for pouring, while the handle is generous in size...  |
 Luciano Pewter Pitcher by Match Pewter Sale Price: $305.00 Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 4-5 business days See Reviews For This Product DescriptionIn a world dominated by mass production, Match pewter is handmade by artisans in Northern Italy. Each piece bears a stamped symbol from the region in which it was made. This delightful piece may be used as a vase or pitcher. |
 Laurey 55159 Richmond Pitcher 3-Inch Pull, Satin Pewter Sale Price: $2.99 Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionPull/Handle made by Laurey, in a Pewter finish, on 3" drill centers. |
 Vintage Belgian Pewter Lidded Pitcher Flagon Tankard List Price: See Reviews For This Product DescriptionItem #: 10-295-0 Object: Pitcher Origin: Belgium Style: Barware BARWARE Barware, also known as drinkware, beverageware, and glassware, are vessels from which people drink. There are many different sizes and shapes that are commonly used for different beverages, and some are listed here: collins glass, highball glass, pilsner glass, pint glass, shot glass, tumbler, wheat beer glass, champagne glass or flute, cocktail or cordial glass, sherry glass, white wine glass, red wine glass, absinthe glass, and snifter... |
 West Point Pewter Pitcher by M.LaHart See Reviews For This Product DescriptionWest Point pewter pitcher features the USMA crest and is an elegant accent to any home. |
 Arizona State University Pewter Pitcher by M.LaHart See Reviews For This Product DescriptionArizona State University pewter pitcher features the ASU seal and is an elegant accent to any home. |
 Taverna Small Pewter Pitcher See Reviews For This Product DescriptionServe in style with these delightful additions to Arte Italica's most popular collections. As with Arte Italica other offerings, these pieces are handmade by skilled artisans and therefore, are one-of-a-kind pieces... |
 Wilton Armetale William and Mary Pitcher List Price: Sale Price: $99.95 You save: $42.80 (30%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionSince 1892, Wilton Armetale has constructed unique serving pieces in silver and pewter, gracefully combining beauty and durability. Individually handcrafted in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, no two pieces are exactly alike... |
 Pewter Empire Pitcher Sale Price: $49.99 Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product |
 US Naval Academy Pewter Pitcher by M.LaHart See Reviews For This Product DescriptionU.S. Naval Academy pewter pitcher features the USNA crest and is an elegant accent to any home. |
