OLD PEWTER
BRASS, COPPER, AND SHEFFIELD PLATE
BY
N. HUDSON MOORE
AUTHOR OF
"THE OLD CHINA BOOK," "THE OLD FURNITURE BOOK,"
"THE LACE BOOK," ETC.
With One Hundred and Five Illustrations
NEW YORK
FREDERICK A. STOKES COMPANY
PUBLISHERS
Copyright, 1905,
BY FREDERICK A. STOKES COMPANY
Published in November, 1905
PREFACE
OLD pewter is becoming daily of greater interest to the
householder, since the fancy for using this attractive ware
in country houses has become so widespread. Old plates,
platters and chargers that have not seen the light for
scores of years, or that have been subjected to indignities,
such as covering the flour barrel or catching rain-water
leaking into the garret, are now brought forth and treated
with pride and consideration.
" Hollow- ware " jugs, mugs, tankards, and the like
is even more in demand, and if not wanted as ornaments
for the shelves in the dining-room, may be used on the
table, in appropriate proximity to " Old Blue China " and
ancient mahogany, which also have been hauled forth
from undeserved obscurity.
Much of the pewter is marked ; but in some cases the
" touches," as these marks were called, have become al-
most undecipherable from use. Some of it was made in
this country and bears the names of American makers,
though much was imported and sold here that had no
mark at all. To facilitate the classification of this ware,
a list of Continental, English, Scotch and such American
names as could be found, has been added to the book;
so that in many cases if even part of the name remains,
the piece can be identified.
The details of manufacture, the style of decoration, the
correct weight of the different pieces of ware are all
891077
vi PREFACE
given. More than a hundred pieces of old ware are illus-
trated, most of them here reproduced for the first time.
Many famous collections have been drawn upon for
this purpose, and the author has been able to secure some
pieces in use both at home at Mount Vernon and in the
field during Washington's lifetime.
Only one piece of modern pewter is shown ; a ewer and
basin by M. Jules Brateau, the well-known French
sculptor, who is often confused by writers on this subject
with Francois Briot, who preceded him by some hundred
years.
The household articles in copper and brass in use at
about the same period as the pewter are also treated, and
as in the case of the latter, splendid collections have fur-
nished the objects used as illustrations. Attention is
given to the fancy for the antique Russian articles of
these metals, many of which are brought into the country
by peasants coming to our shores. These are shown, and
the would-be collector is warned of the spurious articles
made by the dozen in the dark cellars and back rooms of
the East Side, in New York.
Sheffield Plate, a name that has been applied indis-
criminately to all old plated ware, is also considered ; its
manufacture is explained ; the manner of identifying it is
pointed out ; and the names of some of the best known
makers are given. Like the other subjects treated in
this book, Sheffield Plate is finely illustrated,,
ILLUSTRATIONS
Frontispiece (By Courtesy of the Eastman Kodak Co.}
PART I. FOREIGN PEWTER
Facing Page
Fig. i Chinese pewter . ... 4
" 2 Chinese pewter vase ..... 6
3 Chinese pewter ..... 8
" 4 Japanese pewter and Chinese pewter jug . . 8
5 Japanese pewter. Engraved decoration . . 10
" 6 Modern French pewter by Jules Brateau . . 10
7 French antique punched work . . . .12
8 German cavalry cup . . . .14
" 9 German tankard . . . . .16
10 German soup tureen . . . . .16
" ii German tankards and jug . . . . 18
12 German pewter. Engraved and wriggled work . 18
* 13 Flemish pewter, marked "Ghent" . . .20
14 Eighteenth-century Benitier. Flemish . . 22
" 15 Swiss plate ...... 24
" 16 Kaiserteller. Ferdinand III. . . .26
17 Group of Austrian pewter . . . .26
PART II. ENGLISH AND AMERICAN PEWTER
Fig. 18 Kitchen at Mount Vernon . . . -34
19 Pewter group . . . . .60
20 English pewter . . . . .64
21 Various types of bowls. English . . .68
22 Chargers, bowls, ladle, and taster . . .70
23 Collection of pewter in Concord, Mass. . . 70
24 Three candlesticks with bell-shaped bases. (By
courtesy of The Connoisseur) . . .72
x ILLUSTRATIONS
Facing Page
Fig. 25 Candlesticks of various types. (The Connoisseur) 74
26 Pewter candlesticks . . . .76
" 27 Candle-moulds . . . . .76
" 28 Pewter lamps . . . . .78
" 29 Oil lamp . . . . ... 78
" 30 Oil lamp ...... 80
31 Pewter group . . . . .80
32 Three saltcellars. (The Connoisseur) . . 82
33 Pewter group . . . . .84
34 Pewter and Britannia teapots . . .84
35 Church flagon. Dated 1753. (The Connoisseur) . 86
36 Communion cup. " Presbyterian." (The Connois-
seur) ...... 88
37 The Pirley pig. (The Connoisseur) . . go
38 " Tappit Hens." (The Connoisseur) . . 102
39 Pewter spoons ..... 102
40 Ewer and basin . . . . .106
41 American pewter pitcher .... 108
42 American pewter. Reed & Barton. Early nine-
teenth century . . . . .no
43 American pewter. Reed & Barton. Early nine-
teenth century . . . . .112
44 General Washington's strong-box, mess-chest and
bellows . . . . . .114
PART III. BRASS WARE
Fig. 45 English brass knocker . . . .118
" 46 American brass knocker . . ..' .118
47 Fireplace and fender. Langdon House, Ports-
mouth, N. H. . . . .120
" 48 Fireplace and andirons. New England Colonial
House . . . . . .120
" 49 Brass fire-set. From the Collection of Mr. Latti-
more ...... 122
" 50 Old brass andirons. From the Collection of A.
Killgan, Esq. . . . . .122
" 51 Brass and copper brazier. From the Collection of
Mr. George Brodhead .... 124
" 52 Spanish brasero and bowls. From the Collection of
Mrs. Charles P. Barry .... 124
ILLUSTRATIONS xi
Facing Page
Fig. 53 Kitchen of the Whipple House at Ipswich, Mass. . 126
" 54 Brass candlesticks (Russian) . . . 126
" 55 Brass candlesticks (Russian) . . . 126
" 56 Brass candlesticks (Russian). From the Collection
of Mrs. Charles P. Barry . . . 128
" 57 Brass utensils. From the Collection of Mr. Wilford
R. Lawshe ..... 128
" 58 Brass cooking utensils and candlesticks. Deerfield
Memorial Hall ..... 130
59 Brass candlestick and lamps. From the Collections
of Mr. George Brodhead and Airs. E. Wetmore 130
60 Pair of brass lamps. From the Collection of Mr.
William M. Hoyt . . . . .132
61 Tall brass lamp. From the Collection of Mr.
William M. Hoyt ..... 132
62 Girandoles. From the Collection of Mr. William
M. Hoyt . . 134
63 Handles and escutcheons. Chippendale's designs . 136
64 Handles and .escutcheons. From 1750 to 1800 . 138
65 Pipkins and fenders. Chippendale's designs . 140
" 66 George Washington's hall lantern. In the National
Museum, Washington .... 142
" 67 Brass chandelier in St. Michael's Church, Charles-
ton, S. C. . . . . . .142
68 Brass kettles and pitcher. From the Collection of
Mr. George Brodhead .... 144
" 69 Milk-can and cooking-utensils. Mechanics' Insti-
tute, Rochester ..... 144
" 70 Brass kettles. From the Collection of Mr. William
M. Hoyt . . . . . .146
" 71 Sugar-bowl and pitcher. From the Collection of
Mr. George Brodhead .... 146
72 Russian samovar ..... 148
" 73 Urn ....... 150
74 Russian samovar. From the Collection of Mrs.
Charles P. Barry . . . . .152
" 75 Russian brazier ..... 152
xii ILLUSTRATIONS
PART IV. COPPER UTENSILS
Facing Page
Fig. 76 Kitchen at Van Cortlandt Manor . . . 158
77 Copper thurible. In the Chicago Museum of Fine
Arts . . . . . .158
78 Copper warming-pan, kettles, etc. From the Collec-
tion of Mr. ll'ilford R. Lawshe . . . 160
79 George Washington's warming-pan. In the Na-
tional Museum, Washington . . . 160
80 Copper utensils. In Deerfield Memorial Hall . 160
8 1 Paul Revere's copper chafing-dish. In the Rooms
of the Ant'ujiiiirian Society, Concord, Mass. . 160
" 82 Copper kettle and furnace. In the Rooms of the
Antiquarian Society, Concord, Mass. . . 162
" 83 Copper utensils. From the Collection of Mr. Ralph
Burn ham ...... 162
" 84 Copper pot. From the Collection of Mr. William
M. Hoyt ...... 162
" 85 Copper kettles (Russian). From the Collection of
Mr. Dudley ..... 162
" 86 Copper utensils (Russian). From the Collection of
Mrs. Charles P. Barry .... 164
" 87 Copper utensils (Russian). From the Collection of
Mrs. Charles P. Barry .... 164
" 88 Copper coffee-pots and kettle (Russian). From the
Collection of Mrs. Charles P. Barry . . 164
" 89 Copper coffee-pot and bowls (Russian). From the
Collection of Mrs. Charles P. Barry . . 164
" 90 Coffee-urn. From the Collection of Mrs. David
Hoyt 166
" 91 Longfellow's fireplace at Bowdoin College . . 168
PART V. SHEFFIELD- PLATE
Fig. 92 Sheffield-plate trays and tureens. From the Collec-
tion of Mr. H. Coopland, Sheffield, England . 176
" 93 Sheffield-plate castors and dishes. From the Collec-
tion of Mr. H. Coopland, Sheffield, England . 176
94 Urns, wine-coolers, and trays. From the Collection
of Mr. H. Coopland, Sheffield, England . . 180
ILLUSTRATIONS xiii
Facing Page
Fig. 95 Trays and wine-cooler. From the Collection of Mr.
H. Coopland, Sheffield, England . . . 184
" 96 Table articles and candlesticks. From the Collec-
tion of Mr. H. Coopland, Sheffield, England . 184
" 97 Tea and coffee-pots. From the Collection of Mr.
H. Coopland, Sheffield, England . . .188
" 98 Candlesticks and covers. From the Collection of
Mr. H. Coopland, Sheffield, England . . 188
" 99 Table utensils and candle-cups. From the Collec-
tion of Mr. H. Coopland , Sheffield , England . 190
" 100 Cake-baskets and trays. From the Collection of
Mr. H. Coopland, Sheffield, England . . 190
" 101 Candlesticks. From the Collection of Mr. H. Coop-
land, Sheffield, England .... 192
" 102 Teapots ...... 192
103 Coffee-urn ...... 194
104 Venison-dish. From the Collection of Mrs. David
Hoyt . 194
CONTENTS
I. FOREIGN PEWTER 3
II. ENGLISH AND AMERICAN PEWTER .... 3I
III. BRASS WARE . . n 7
IV. COPPER UTENSILS . 157
V. SHEFFIELD PLATE 173
SHEFFIELD MANUFACTURERS OF CLOSE PLATE . . 196
APPENDIX
MARKS AND NAMES FOUND ON FOREIGN PEWTER . . 2 oi
LIST OF ENGLISH PEWTERERS 202
SCOTTISH PEWTERERS 216
SOME AMERICAN PEWTERERS 218
INDEX 223
PART I
FOREIGN PEWTER
OLD PEWTER, BRASS, COPPER,
AND SHEFFIELD PLATE
PART I
FOREIGN PEWTER
WHY is it that old pewter has such a charm? I ask
myself again and again why I so admire the few pieces
which I own, and why there is such a pleasure in
handling them, speculating about them, and in feel-
ing their satiny grey sides, a feeling not given by
any other metal. The very fact that they are so hard
to clean calls your attention to them with a per-
sistence that they would not claim if they were suscep-
tible of taking polish quickly, and you rub and rub,
and then bend your back and rub again, all too thank-
ful for the slow gleams of silver-like hue which reward
your efforts, like the smile on the face of an old friend.
The law of contraries seems operative* irb )~fegard
to the treatment of pewter; for though" we* restdre
our china, and have our antiques in t^e.f^tratuTe. \iriej
carefully mended, when we come to our pewter we
leave it pretty much alone, with its scratches and
batters, its broken-down sides, and the corroded look
which so much of it wears. No true lover of this
ware will allow his treasures to be burnished, for every
4 OLD PEWTER, BRASS, ETC.
time that process is applied to a piece it loses more
and more the air of age which was one of its most
pleasing allurements, and you might as well have a
brand-new piece of modern ware or even of tin.
The use of pewter for household utensils takes it
back to the Midd^ Ages. and beyond. Indeed, one
cannot go far enough back to find when it was first
used in Chinn nnd Japan r those lands to which we
are bound to turn for so many of the " beginnings
of things," and which many of us are pleased to call
barbarous countries, because we know no better. So,
before examining any of the pewter made in the
countries of the West, let us turn to the beautiful
specimens which were made hundreds of years ago
by those workers who excel in everything that they
undertake.
Just how old these pieces are it is impossible to say,
yet it is known that pewter ware was made in China two
thousand years ago, the composition of the alloy being
of lead and tin. There are specimens of Japanese
pewter on exhibition in England which are known to
be eleven hundred years old, and they are not unlike
the pieces presented here, which are on exhibition at
the t Boston. Museum of Fine Arts.
jijiisp'. pewter is often of such a curious tint
c . t .tl\at4t;seerns frtjpossible to believe that it is pewter.
: ' : -''Bu-t aler ' ah'* article left the hands of the artisan it
was never polished, the only treatment allowed it
being a gentle rubbing with a cotton rag. After a
time the surface became coated with a faint green rust
of two tints, the lighter forming the ground, and
Pig. 1. CHINESE PEWTER
Boston Museum of Fine Art,
FOREIGN PEWTER 5
the darker showing in mottled patches, which gave
it a very artistic appearance, but which must have been
unpleasant to eat from, I should think.
In general the vessels were not flat, but hollow ware,
and some of them were modelled from the ever-present
form of the lotus, and some of them bear the figure
of Buddha the Mysterious.
The pewter used by the Japanese contains so much
lead that it was susceptible of much working, and in
some of the illustrations shown, the familiar dragon
is on guard. A harder and more brittle quality of
pewter, containing a large proportion of antimony,
was also made by them, and this was admirably
adapted for casting or stamping in intricate and
delicate forms. Occasionally a piece is found which
has been coated with some other metal, but in many
cases the coating is carelessly done and flakes off.
Both Japanese and Chinese use engraving as a form
of decoration, and the grace and simplicity of the pat-
terns employed do credit, as usual, to their innate
iove of beauty, and present a marked contrast to the
patterns employed by other nations working at the
jiame period. The Chinese added to the decorative
appearance of pewter by introducing both copper and
brass in various patterns, as can be seen in Figures 2
and 3. The grotesque figure bearing a basket is
entirely of pewter.
The composition of pewter varies, not only in the
different countries where it was made, but also as
regarded the purpose for which it was designed.
Below is given a slight table, showing not only the
OLD PEWTER, BRASS, ETC.
ingredients which entered into the composition of the
metal, but the proportions used.
Tin
Lead
Antimony
Copper
Hate Pewter, best quality
ICO
. . .
8
4
Plate Pewter, poorest quality
89-3
. . .
7-i
1.8
Common Pewter, "Trifle"
82
. . .
18
loo
26
Pewter, called "better" . .
S6
8
6
Pipe Metal . .
60
A y
Metal for Salts and Ewers .
90
10
Metal for dishes, etc. . . .
96
4
Ley Metal
So
20
Tin, which has always been the metal entering
most largely into the composition of pewter, has from
an early period played an important part in the manu-
facture of domestic utensils. The Egyptians used it
as early as 3700 B.C., and it is mentioned at least twice
in the Bible, and also by Plautus and Pliny. The
English pewterers drew their supply of tin chiefly
from the Cornish mines, and the output averaged about
8,000 tons per annum. Lead, another component part
of pewter, was also drawn from places near the tin
mines, and England was known as the " classic land
of lead and tin." Herodotus speaks of the trade in
lead as the chief inducement which brought the
Phoenicians to the shores of Britain, and a writer on
the subject of lead says:
Fig. 2. CHINESE PEWTER VASE
Boston Museum of Fine Arts
FOREIGN PEWTER 7
"These two metals [tin and lead] made the early fame of
Britain ; they brought here the Phoenician trader, and had
doubtless much to do with the Roman occupation of this
distant island."
The Romans used pewter for seals of office, and
some years ago there were many of them to be found
in the county of Westmoreland, England, left there by
the Roman legions. They were of all shapes, round,
oval, or rectangular, and it is a pity that, owing to
their making excellent solder, they have been entirely
destroyed by the enterprising tinkers of the neigh-
bourhood.
For use at home, the Romans carried tin from Corn-
wall both by ship and overland, and when material
for the proper alloys failed them, they made pewter
of pure tin. The metals were transported in the form
of ingots, and not only did Rome get her share, but
France too, received her quota, by means of either
caravan or boat. Holland got hers through the city
of Bruges ; and Barcelona sent out so much to Venice
and other parts of Italy that it was found necessary
to regulate the trade, and as early as 1406 the first
of these regulating statutes was framed.
The word " Pewter " has its equivalents in many
languages, pcautrc dating from 1229 in France, while
the Dutch used speazvtcr, or pcaivter, and in old
English inventories I find it spelled in half a score of
ways, according to the fancy and degree of education
of the writer.
The French, ever more elegant and refined than the
English in matters relating to household furnishing
8 OLD PEWTER, BRASS. ETC.
and domestic utensils, had fine pewter in their homes
before it was made in England. By 1390 not only
the nobles, but the wealthy ecclesiastical dignitaries
had large supplies of pewter plate, and in 1401, Isabeau
of Bavaria, wife of Charles VI of France, bought for
her kitchen nine dozen dishes and twenty-three por-
ringers. This queen, whatever view you may take
of her morals, may at least have the credit for intro-
ducing many improvements into palaces, which had
hitherto been bare and cheerless enough. Among the
existing records of items of expenditure for herself
and her household are charges for the " making of a
large box of wood and iron, with holes in it, to burn
a candle by night in the room of Madame Jehanne."
This was the first approach to a night-lamp, and " Ma-
dame Jehanne " was one of the younger princesses.
Isabeau at this same time had made for her use
great baths of oak, and she was the first one to use a
" suspended carriage." Those vehicles, which were
made under her direction, were elegant and luxurious
to a degree never seen before, and had four wheels.
She had heaters made in the form of little iron
chariots, which were filled with red-hot ashes and
were wheeled about her rooms to warm them. She
also had made balls of gold or silver, to be filled with
ashes and held in the hand for warmth. Although
she bought much pewter for her kitchen, her own
personal plate was gold, and as a charm against poison
she used an Eastern talisman which was chained with
a silver-gilt chain to her goblet and saltcellar. She
did not place such entire reliance on this talisman as
Fig. 3. CHINESE PEWTER
Boston MHHCIIIH of Fine Arts
Fig. 4. JAPANESE PEWTER AND CHINESE PEWTER JUG
Boston Museum of Fine Arts
FOREIGN PEWTE R 9
might at first appear, since, despite its supposed
efficacy, she had every dish of which she partook
tasted by an officer of her household before it
approached her lips.
In 1500, in Paris, it was stated that the necessary
number of pewter dishes for a state dinner was six
dozen large porringers, the same number of small
plates, two and a half dozen large dishes, eight quart
and twelve pint tankards, and two dishes for scraps
for the poor.
The period of the most showy development of pew-
ter began in France about 1550, and Frangois Briot
was its most celebrated worker. Originally a maker
of dies and moulds, he became a worker in metals,
and wrought with the greatest success in soft alloys.
Examples of his work are to be seen in many of the
museums of Europe, and his most noted production
was a flagon and salver, with figures, emblems, masks,
and strap-work. These elegant pieces were cast in
sections, joined together, and then finished in the most
careful manner in delicate relief.
Jules Brateau, a modern French sculptor, has used
pewter in somewhat the same manner as his prede-
cessor, Briot, and in Figure 6 is shown an example
of his work which may be seen at the Chicago Museum
of Fine Arts. Like the work of Briot, it consists of
a salver and ewer, and the salver contains in the centre
a large round boss on which is a winged globe, the
symbol of Fame. About this boss a line of Cupids
disport themselves, bearing a ribbon on which are
inscribed the names of those celebrated in the arts of
ro OLD PEWTER, BRASS. ETC.
Music, Painting, Sculpture, and Architecture. The
body of the salver has four panels, with figures repre-
senting the above-mentioned arts, each panel being
separated from those on either hand by the tools and
emblems of the various arts and crafts. The rim
is moulded with a scroll border, which is lightened
by the introduction of flower-buds at certain places
in the design.
The ewer has for a handle a nude female figure hold-
ing a mirror, and the body of the vessel is decorated
with seated female figures representing Science, Liter-
ature, and the Drama. The base of the ewer is hardly
in keeping with the rest of the composition, which on
the whole compares favourably with the work of the
earlier master. M. Brateau has chosen for his
" touch " the singular device of a gallows with two
rows of figures hanging thereon!
Francois Briot was followed by Caspar Enderlein,
a Swiss, and by 1600 the Nuremberg workers entered
the field with richly worked plates and platters,
those with religious subjects being used as patens,
while those with secular designs were for ornament
on the heavily carved dressers of the middle classes,
in imitation of the collections of gold and silver plate
which were displayed by the wealthy nobles. These
ornate pieces, if of French origin, were called by the
specious name of " A fagon d'argent," and, like the
modern " art novelties " from the same source,
brought good prices.
During the century from 1680 to 1780 much pewter
was made in France, though the greater part of it
Fiff. f>. JAPANESE PEWTER. ENV.RAVED DECORATION
of Fine Arts
Fig. G. MODERN FRENCH PEWTER BY JULES BRATEAU
Chicago Museum of Arts
FOREIGN PEWTER 11
was made in the first three-quarters of that time.
Louis XVI appointed a royal pewterer, and he made
the nobles give up to. him much of their silver plate.
To make the use of pewter more satisfactory, he
granted special permission that it might be adorned
with gold or lacquer, which privilege had hitherto been
given exclusively to the dignitaries of the Church.
As in England, French workmen had been gathered
into guilds or corporations, but these were abolished
by Turgot on the ground that the free right to labour
was a sacred privilege of humanity. With the dis-
persion of the guilds the quality at least of the pewter
declined, and, though it kept its place among the mid-
dle classes, with the wealthy its use was relegated to
the kitchen. Then, too, after 1750, the use of pottery
and porcelain gradually increased, and the beauty of
these wares made them easily favourites.
As a proof of their skill the French workmen had
to make a piece of the ware of the class to which they
belonged, before they could be admitted to the Guild.
They were divided into special classes as early as the
fourteenth century, and the " potiers d'ctain " con-
sisted of three classes : those who made vases, " potiers
dit de rond," then those who made the hammered
ware and had to present a dish or bowl as a specimen
of their work, and were known as " les potiers maitre
de forge," and lastly the "potiers menuisiers," who
made little things like pilgrims' and beggars' badges,
toys for children, rings and buttons, and who had to
make for their entrance piece an inkstand or a salt-
cellar.
12 OLD PEWTER, BRASS, ETC.
Many of the rules which governed the French pew-
tereis were substantially the same as those which were
in force in England. In fact the French claim that
the English pewterers took their regulations as the
model on which they framed their own rules of the
Pewterers' Company. In 1613 Louis XIII gave a
set of statutes to the French pewterers, at the same
time that he gave a set ro the Guild of Armourers.
Before a man was qualified to become a master work-
man, he was obliged to serve an apprenticeship of six
years, to serve three years as a journeyman, and then
make his admission piece. The sons of masters were
exempt from serving an apprenticeship, provided that
they worked three years with their father. They did
not have to make an admission piece and they did
not have to pay dues.
As in England, each pewterer had to have his pri-
vate mark, which was registered with the King's Pro-
curer as well as in the guild room. Each master had
two marks, the larger containing the first letter of his
Christian name and the whole of his surname, while
the smaller mark gave only the initials of both names.
Besides this, each mark contained the device of
the master, the choice of which was left to his own
fancy.
Works in the common metal were marked on the
upper side; works of high quality, antimony, tin,
or of resonant metal, were marked on the lower side.
Saltcellars, small measures, and little articles were to
have ten per cent of lead, while small plates and
saucers were to have but four per cent.
Fig. 7. FRENCH ANTIQUE PUNCHED WORK
Collection of Mrs. Charles Barry
FOREIGN PEWTER 13
According to Boileau the regulations for the Paris
pewterers were as follows :
" i. Whatever persons wish to be pewterers in Paris may be
so without restriction, if only they do good and lawful work.
They may have as many workmen and apprentices as they may
wish.
"2. No pewterer may work at night, or upon a festival day.
Whoever does so will have to pay a fine of five sols, to the King.
The light at night is not enough for him to do good and lawful
work.
" 3. No pewterer may or should by law work at any work of
his trade which is not well and lawfully alloyed according to the
requirements of the work. If he does so he forfeits the work
and incurs a fine of five sols to .the King.
" 4. No coppersmith nor other person may sell wares belong-
ing to the pewterers' trade, either in the town or outside, nor in
his house, unless it is of good and legal alloy. If he does so he
must forfeit the work and pay a fine of five sols, to the King.
" 5. No one may or ought to sell wares belonging to the pew-
terers, or is to sell old pewter as new. If he does he must pay
a fine of five sols, to the King.
" 6. The masters of the pewterers require that two experienced
masters of the trade be elected by order of the Provost of Paris.
The said masters are to swear solemnly that the men of the said
trade will keep the above regulations, well and loyally.
" 7. The pewterers are liable to serve on the watch if they
are under sixty years of age.
"8. The two experienced masters, elected as above, are
exempt from serving on the watch.
" 9. The pewterers are to pay taxes and other dues, as paid
by the other citizens of Paris to the King."
The master pewterers were allowed to make all
kinds of work provided that they used fine and reso-
nant pewter, alloyed with copper and bismuth. It was,
however, forbidden that they should use either gold
or silver on their pewter ware, except such as was
intended for use in churches. Patens and chalices
14 OLD PEWTER, BRASS, ETC.
were always to be of the best quality, and this was
a rule which was carried out in all countries. Master
pewterers were not to begin work with the hammer
before five in the morning, nor to continue it after
eight in the evening. Nor were they allowed to put
on sale in their shops any pewter which was not made
by a Parisian pewterer in Paris. Widows were
allowed to continue the business of their husbands,
and to keep open shop as long as they continued
widows.
In 1776 the guilds of pewterers, coppersmiths, and
scalemakers were all combined, and from this time
on the industry of pewter-making slowly and steadily
declined.
Some of the best French pewter is marked " blanc"
which indicates its superior quality; the bluer the
colour, the more lead in its composition.
French pewter does not seem to have been held in
such high esteem as that made in Germany or the
Netherlands. In 1709 various foreign pewters were
tested at Pewterers' Hall in London, French and
Spanish showing from 14^ to 29 less than " fine,"
while a piece of English pewter taken at random from
a shop was but i^ grains less than fine, or the
standard quality. No doubt the inferior quality was
because the manufacture w r as very general all over
France, and because the corporation was not so
" close " as in England.
Lyons was known abroad for its excellence in pew-
ter ware by 1295, and Paris had Gautier at work as
early as 1300, while other less famous names were
Fig. 8. GERMAN CAVALRY CUP
Collection of Mr. Browne
FOREIGN PEWTER 15
Robert (1313); Guillaume de Liloies (1315;: Adan
FEscot; Huguein de Besangon (1531), pewterer to
the royal household; Micheiet Breton (1580), also
purveyor to the house of the king; and in 1401 we find
the name of Jehan de Montrousti, who furnished the
kitchen ware for Isabeau of Bavaria, already men-
tioned.
In Poitiers, Limoges, Tours, Amiens, Rouen, Dijon,
as well as in Montpellier, Angers, Bordeaux, Tou-
louse, and in many other cities, there were pewterers
at work early in the fourteenth century. In the orna-
mentation of pewter the French excelled in engraved
work, though they had a fancy for figures in high
relief, which were either cast solid, or punched out
from the back and then filled jn with lead. The plates
shown in Figure 7 have the edge moulded on after-
ward by hand, and they are further ornamented by
engraving. One has a coat of arms, while the other
is merely decorative. Such pieces were of course
never used on the table, but were for ornament only
on the wall or dresser.
Badges or tokens of pewter were favourite relics
of pilgrims, to show that they had actually made a
pilgrimage. The shape of a cockle-shell in memory
of St. Michel was the usual device, and pilgrims wore
these in their hats by the twelfth century. In the
Cluny Museum at Paris is an old mould for casting
such badges, and this one is in the shape of a heart,
with a cross and the letters I.H.S. In no country did
the custom of wearing these tokens prevail to a greater
extent than in France; indeed some authorities con-
i6 OLD PEWTER, BRASS, ETC.
tend that it originated there. St. Denis was the
favourite saint in the north, while in the south St.
Nicholas prevailed. There were, besides, many local
saints, of which little images were cast, and these were
worn on hat or coat.
Mont St. Michel was the chief place for the dis-
tribution of these badges, and it is said that the cockle-
shells found on the beach there served for the first
models. A thriving business was done in these badges,
and by the fourteenth century it was brought to the
notice of the king, who thereupon imposed a tax on
these articles. This called forth so loud a protest from
the pewterers that the king, Charles VI ("the Well-
Beloved''), exempted these badges from all tax for
ever. Such badges, brought home from a pilgrimage,
had an honoured place in the house, and were pointed
to with reverence and pride by their owners.
Little vessels for containing holy-water or the oil
of extreme unction were also made of pewter, and
sometimes made long journeys to the Holy Land on
the persons of the devout, who brought home in them
various kinds of sacred relics, a little dust from
Calvary, or, if the pilgrimage had been made to
Rome, some earth from the Catacombs. These little
bottles or relic-holders had wide mouths, and were
closed by pressing their lips hard together. They were
then hung on a string and suspended from the neck.
An interesting relic found during the last century
was enclosed in a box made of a material which was
called lead, but which was actually composed of lead
mixed with some harder metal which gave it more
Fig. 0. (JKRMAN TANKARD
Collection of Mrs. Gcoryc BrocUiead
Fig. 10. GERMAN SOUP TUREEN
Cooper Union Museum, New York
FOREIGN PEWTER 17
body and durability. In the fine cathedral of Rouen,
France, Is a suite of four rooms containing what is
known as the ff Tresor" This collection of very valu-
able and interesting relics forms quite a little museum,
and may be seen upon the payment of a small fee. To
an Anglo-Saxon the most notable object in the collec-
tion is the so-called leaden casket in which was buried
the heart of the famous King, Richard Cceur de Lion,
who was slain by a bolt from the crossbow of Bertrand
de Gourdon at the siege of the castle of Chaluz. His
body lies at the feet of his father at Fontevrault, near
Tours, but his heart, encased in two leaden caskets,
was buried in the cathedral at Rouen, " the faithful
city." The exact place of its burial seems to have been
forgotten in the lapse of years, but it was rediscovered
in 1840, put in a new casket, and once more buried
in its old resting-place in the choir. The old leaden
cases, the outer one of which was much corroded,
were placed in the " Trcsor," or treasure-chamber, and
on one is to be seen this inscription:
Cercueil
et
Boite de Plomb
on fut renferme
lors de sa sepulture en 1199
le Cceur de
RICHARD CCEUR DE LION
Trouves en 1840
dans le sanctuaire de la Cathedral
de Rouen.
The inner casket, after all these centuries of time, is
still in good condition, the inscription it bears being
iS OLD PEWTER, BRASS, ETC.
perfectly legible. The Latin is quaint enough, and
though the art of working on metais was quite
advanced at that time, and rare and beautiful objects
were wrought, the man selected to do this piece of
work could not have been a skilled workman, even if
his casket was to hold the heart of the mightiest king
on earth. He worked so ill that he did not leave
room enough on the line to put the whole of the king's
name, but had to carry over one letter to the next line.
Richard's title is given as " Regis Anglorum," King
of the English, while no mention is made of either
Normandy or Aquitaine. The inner box is about a
foot long, eight inches wide, and five inches deep.
The fashion of burying the heart was a not unusual
one, for in those days it was well-nigh impossible to
transport the body to some loved spot ; but the heart,
a small thing, could be brought home, from even the
scenes of the Crusades, and laid to rest where its
onetime owner desired.
A less romantic but also interesting article which
is occasionally met with in museums is a " cymaisc,"
a kind of drinking-cup. These were in use as early
as 1370, when mention is made of some of them in the
inventory of the Bishop of Troyes. When any dig-
nitary came to visit a city, were he of the Church or
State, it was customary for a deputation of the nobles
of the town to go out and meet him and offer him
wine, the attendants of the visitor receiving as a per-
quisite the cup from which the wine was drunk. These
great cups were frequently made of pewter, fitted with
two handles, one for grasping the vessel when the
Fig. 11. GERMAN TANKARDS AND JUG
Collection of Mrs. Charles Barry
Fig. 11'. (JKKMAX IM-:\VT1-:K, ENIJKAVED
WORK
Collection of J//-.S-. Charles Bait**/
FOREIGN PEWTER 19
liquor was taken to the mouth, the other a swinging
handle fastened near the top of the cup. The fixed
handles were plain and solid, while the swinging ones
were very richly ornamented. Such cups were also
offered as prizes for feats of skill, and when given at
shooting contests bore, besides the name of the town,
a bow and arrow or a gun. This old custom holds
good to-day, and the prizes at Oxford and Cambridge
for rowing contests are still called " pewter, pots,"
though now they are only Britannia metal.
In Germany the chief places where pewter was made
were Nuremberg and Augsburg, records of enact-
ments at the latter place showing that the pewterers'
workshops were inspected by the masters of the craft
as early as 1324. Nuremberg had her famous workers
too, at this time Carel, and Sebaldus Ruprecht being
among the best known. One of the earliest ordinances
regulating the making of pewter in Nuremberg is
dated 1576. In this it is expressly stated that pew-
terers were forbidden to make anything with English
tin or beaten tin, only pure tin being recognised, with-
out the addition of any lead. Such articles as were
made according to these regulations could be marked
with an eagle and a crown, while those which were
made after the English fashion were to have, in addi-
tion to the eagle and crown, a rose as well.
Each member of the craft had to make a sample
plate and have it approved by the master craftsmen,
after which he was allowed to punch it with his private ,
mark, which consisted of the eagle (the town mark),
in the field of which he added his own device. The
20 OLD PEWTER, BRASS, ETC.
plate so marked might then be hung in some public
place where his mark could be seen and noted, so that
his ware could be recognised by those who had it in
use in their households. Apparently this was as near
as it was allowed for merchants to advertise their
wares. The ordinance closes with this order :
" The masters must go at least four times a year into all
workshops, cellars, and shops, to see if the alloy is pure. If they
find in their inspection defects in work caused by careless cast-
ing or had turning, the article is to be broken up, and if the
pieces weigh more than half a pound the owner of the workshop
is to pay a fine of one twelfth. If the pieces exceed half a pound
in weight, they are to be put into the melting-pot/'
A fine example of one of the great flagons or drink-
ing-vessels is shown in Figure 8. It is of German
manufacture, and an inscription on the front shows
that it belonged to a German cavalry regiment,
though there is no date. The figure on the top is a
cavalry officer in uniform, and it is to be regretted
that there is no maker's mark. ) This style of tiagon
was familiar in the seventeenth century, and they were
extremely heavy, from twenty-five to thirty pounds
being not uncommon. The pewter was made of great
thickness in parts, and, as they were almost too bulky
to pass around, a tap was often added later. The
one on the cavalry cup is more ornamental than useful,
and in keeping with the cherubs' heads which answer
for feet. This piece is twenty-two inches high and in
excellent condition, although the cherubs' noses are
somewhat battered.
A small and more modern drinking-tankard, six
Fig. 13. FLEMISH PEWTER, MARKED "GHENT
From the Collection of Mr. Browne
FOREIGN PEWTER 21
inches high, simple in form, and with a fine thumb-
piece, is shown in Figure 9. It has a splendid maker's
mark on the inner side, a crowned figure standing
in a circle.
I have found only one soup-tureen; it is of German
make, and is shown in Figure 10. The mark on the
bottom is much worn, but the piece may be seen at the
Museum of Cooper Union, New York.. The bowl is
fine in shape, moulded in panels, and stands in a tray,
also moulded in panels, and rather deep. The quality
of the pewter is excellent and readily takes a high
polish.
Two German tankards and a pitcher are shown in
Figure n, all of good workmanship. The smallest
tankard bears within the name of Ruprecht, which
was famous among pewter-workers in the fourteenth
century, though this piece is not so old, of course. It
is, however, one of the old types, before the lids began
to rise, the modern tankard having a bell-shaped lid,
years adding successive degrees of height till they
were often several inches high. This lid has a
medallion set in the top, a favourite form of decora-
tion, a coin sometimes being used instead of the medal-
lion. The second tankard is of rather unusual shape,
the bottom looking more like a pitcher than a tankard.
It is dated 1789 on the ornamental band which goes
around the top. This kind of ornament was known
as " wriggled " or " joggled " work. Owing to the
character of the alloy, engraved work wears out very
quickly, since it has to be very lightly done, as deeply
cut work weakens the ware. The tool which makes
22 OLD PEWTER, BRASS, ETC.
the wriggled work is of the nature of a chisel, the
blades being of varying width, the common size meas-
uring about an inch. The pattern is impressed on the
object by rocking or joggling the tool along, and
although this work is found on the pewter of all
countries, the German and Dutch pewterers seem to
have had a particular preference for it. The Dutch
put much of it on pewter for church use, covering the
chalice or flagons with long stories from the Bible,
the quaint figures having below them a few words
to indicate what they are intended to represent. For
such purposes the tool may be as fine as one thirty-
second of an inch broad. A running pattern is often
chosen for secular vessels, and the lines seem to
be composed of dots, as on the tankard, but on
close inspection the connecting line can be discov-
ered.
On the little pitcher with the wooden handle, a
small beading is seen around the lid, produced by a
stamping or milling process.
In Figure 12 is shown some handsome work done
with an engraver's tool. In this work some of the
pewter is removed with each stroke of the tool, and a
tracing-tool is used besides, the graver making the
deeper lines. All three of these pieces have elaborate
coats of arms on them, and the bowl is plainly marked
" Graf von Ehren, 1735." They all are marked with
the rose and crown, which is found on Dutch, German,
French, Flemish, and Scotch as well as English ware,
though the idea is prevalent that the mark is exclu-
sively English. I would feel inclined to say that the
' ' '''*-'..'
Fig. 14. EIGHTEENTH-CENTURY BENITIER, FLEMISH
FOREIGN PEWTER 23
lip on the beaker had been added later, but on it are
to be found some of the maker's marks.
The use of the graver can always be distinguished
from the tracing-tool by the appearance of the orna- .
ment. The graver removes some metal with every
stroke, while the tracing-tool is held in a vertical po-
ssition and is struck with a mallet, a small portion of the
alloy being displaced and standing up on each side of
the pattern, like a furrow. As the pattern progressed,
the tool was moved along in the proper direction and
was regularly struck with the mallet, and if the object
on which the ornament is applied be examined with
a magnify ing-glass, the marks of the mallet may be
plainly seen. To make this style of ornamentation
there were curved punching-tools as well as straight
ones, but if the decorator were a man of skill he
could produce nearly all his effects with the straight
tool.
Another form of ornament was called " pricked "
work, and presents a similar appearance to the wrig-
gled ornament. It was often finished with a slight
engraved line on either side of it, and if kept to severe
and simple curves was not a bad ornamentation.
Pewter at its best is plain, relying for its pleasing
appearance on its form, on the quality of the alloy, and
on its colour. Some of the Corporation or Guild cups
are very handsome, being tall, stately vessels, the
simple lettering in script, either on the body of the
cup or on a shield, being all that was necessary. There
were many calls, however, for more elaborate work,
and there were masters of the craft who wrought in
24 OLD PEWTER, BRASS, ETC.
this simple metal in what we must confess was a pleas-
ing style. \
Many of the European museums anoVsome of
America have specimens of this ancient c^t and
worked pewter, and the Nuremberg Museum, besides
the collections in the lower halls, which consist of
splendid cups and tankards which belonged to Guilds
and Corporations, has in the upper story a kitchen
furnished after the fashion of the seventeenth century.
Here may be studied many wonderful examples of
domestic articles in pewter, as well as some which
were used on state occasions only. These articles
are so arranged that the visitor has every opportunity
to study them, and it is a way vastly superior to
placing them in cases, where it is impossible to see
more than one side of an object, and never the
markings.
Figure 13 is a salver or tray which measures ten
inches in diameter, with a good rococo border of
carved and pierced work. It is marked on the back,
" Ghent," and the maker's name is plainly stamped
in two places, " Charnold Lucas," in an oval-shaped
touclt-mark, the name coming at the bottom, while
on the upper side of the oval are the words, " Fin
blok Zin." In the centre of the touch is the figure
of an angel with a sheaf in its hand, and somewhat
abbreviated garments, as the feet are plainly to be
seen. It is not the figure of St. Michel, which was
sometimes used by the Ghent pewterers, though it
was the Brussels mark also. The Lucases were well-
known English pewterers, Robert Lucas being a
Fig. 15. SWISS PLATE
Boston .}fux<'i<)ii of Fine Arts
FOREIGN PEWTER 25
master in 1667, and Stephen being one as late as
1824. Charnold Lucas must have been one of the
family who settled in Ghent and carried on his busi-
ness there, and very beautiful work he did too, treat-
ing the material as if it were silver. The fine scale-
work in portions of the pattern is worthy of note.
At the Museum of Ghent there is a touch-plate of
the Ghent pewterers of the seventeenth and eighteenth
centuries. The commonest mark was the rose and
crown, with the initials of the maker placed just below
the crown, or even in it. There was another mark
which seems to have been an equal favourite, and that
was a small hammer having on either side of its
handle a shield, one bearing a lion, and the other a
lamb with a flag. A crown is placed above the whole
device.
There are still workers at the pewterer's trade in
Ghent, the most famous being members of the De
Keghels family. There is a touch-plate at Ghent
which shows many of the ancient family marks, among
them being the rose and cro.wn of course, with the
initial letters sometimes going across the rose, but
more often in the crown. Another mark of this fam-
ily was an oval containing a fleur-de-lys and the letters
I. D. K. Then there are a Maltese cross within a
circle, a sheep in an oblong, a heart in an oval, a heart
pierced with two arrows, and perhaps the hand-
somest mark of all a lion within a circle.
The Flemish workers in pewter often produced
works of great delicacy and beauty, and did not con-
fine its use to domestic utensils and corporation pieces.
26 OLD PEWTER, BRASS, ETC.
They also used it for church vessels, although this
was protested against very strongly by the Roman
Catholic Church on the ground that pewter was not
sufficiently precious metal from which to fashion
sacred vessels. In 847 the Council of Rheims, and in
the thirteenth century the Synod of Canterbury, for-
bade its use for making the paten and chalice. In
1252, at Nismes, these two decisions were confirmed,
but poor communities were permitted to continue the
use of their pewter vessels. Even at the present day
in Belgium the Eucharistic vessels for every-day use
are made of pewter, and down to the times of the
Revolution in France it was the custom to reserve
the vessels of precious metal for special services and
great occasions.
You may find to-day hanging in Flemish churches
the bcnitieTj or Holy-Water cup, and it may be made
of pewter, though it will not be so ornate or finely
wrought as the one shown in Figure 14, which was
made in the eighteenth century. It is fashioned with
almost the fineness of silver, and so carefully finished
after it was removed from the mould that it looks
almost like hand-work. These small articles were
sometimes hung beneath the shrines at the wayside,
but most of them were much cruder objects than
this one.
One of the most famous examples of cast-work is
shown in Figure 15. It is a plate, or Kaiserteller,
eight inches in diameter, with a border of thirteen
lobes, each one displaying the arms of one of the Swiss
Cantons. It is presumably of Swiss workmanship and
Fig. 10. KAISEIITELLER, FERDINAND III
Boston Museum of Fine Arts
FOREIGN PEWTER 27
is dated 1508. Between the three upper lobes, lettered
Bern, Zurich, and Lucern, may be distinguished three
shields. These bear, first the letter G; next a mono-
gram made up of the letjc/a I. S. ; and then a mer-
chant's m?rk. T Z. which is repeated on the back.
Around the medallion in the centre is the legend :
' DO . MAN . 1508 . ZELT . DER . ERSTE .
PUNDT . WARD . VON . GOTERWELT."
The alloy is extremely soft and has suffered somewhat,
as may be seen, but in the main the plate is in excellent
preservation, considering its age, though it has been
used for ornament only.
Another very choice piece of pewter is the plate
shown in Figure 16. This specimen is some of the
famous Nuremberg work, and has for its central
medallion the figure of Ferdinand III. On the border
are the six Electors, with their coats of arms. On
the back is the date 1645, an d between the 16 and
the 45 is the letter S pierced by an arrow. In another
place are the letters I. G. L. This, like the previous
plate, is of extremely soft alloy, but still shows its
fine work. The excellence of the moulds in which
such show-pieces were cast left little work to be done
when the castings were removed.
PART II
ENGLISH AND AMERICAN PEWTER
PART IT
ENGLISH AND AMERICAN PEWTER
THE use of pewter for utensils of the household suc-
ceeded wood, and their manufacture had become of
sufficient importance in England by the end of the
thirteenth century to be mentioned in official docu-
ments. By 1290 King Edward I had " leaden"
vessels for cooking the boiled meats for the coro-
nation feast, and had a supply of over three hundred
pewter dishes, salts, and platters in his possession.
He seems to have had no silver plate at all.
In the " Rolls of Parliament " there is a curious
document called " State of the Poor," and in this are
given some valuations of furniture and stock in trade
of some of the merchants of Colchester, England, for
the year 1296. A carpenter's stock was valued at
one shilling, and consisted of five tools only. The
lists of the other tradesmen were almost as small;
the only one which exceeded one pound in value was
that of a tanner, whose stock was estimated at
9 ?s. iod., showing that his was the principal trade,
a fact which is easily understood, as the chief part of
men's dress was leather. Most of the lesser cities
drew upon London for their necessaries, and the lists
of household goods among even the nobles were won-
derfully poor and mean. Some hundreds of years
31
32 OLD PEWTER, BRASS, ETC.
later Harrison wrote a " Description of England in
Shakespeare's Youth," in which he says :
" It has mines of gold, silver, and tin (of which all manneT of
table utensils are made, in brightness equal to silver and used
all over Europe), of lead and iron alsoe, but not much of the
latter. . . . Tin and lead, mettals which Strabo noteth in his
time to be carried unto Marsilis from hence, the one in Corne-
wall, Devonshire (and elsewhere in the north), the other in
Darby Shire, Weredale, and sundrie places of this Island;
whereby my countrymen doo reap no small commoditie, but es-
peciallie our pewterers, who in time past imploied the use of
pewter onlie upon dishes, pots, and a few other trifles for use
here at home, whereas now they are growne unto such ex-
quisite cunning that they can in manner imitate by infusion anie
fashion or forme of cup, dish, salt bowle, or goblet, which is
made by goldsmith's crafts, though they be never so curious, ex-
quisite, and artificiallie forged."
Tin by itself is not so durable and ductile as lead,
and the two metals combined will not shrink so greatly
as either taken separately, a quality which had to be
considered when the object under consideration had
to be cast in a mould. Because of its fusibility pewter
was much used by goldsmiths to take the first castings
of medals or other objects, so that they could be
shown to customers for approval. Benvenuto Cellini
is known to have used pewter for obtaining the first
proofs of his medals and coins, and also used it to
make his bronze flow more easily.'
The earliest pewter of best quality was made of tin
with as much brass as the tin could take up, the pro-
portion being about four to one. In this quality,
which was called " fine," were made many small
articles like salts, cruets, pitchers, also platters, char-
ENGLISH AND AMERICAN PEWTER 33
gers and church vessels. A less fine quality consisted
of tin and lead, and the proportion here was also four
to one. This alloy was used for candlesticks, bowls,
and pots. The tankards and mugs used in public
houses had a still greater proportion of lead, and were
sometimes known as " black metal," because they
tarnished so easily. The composition of Japanese
pewter of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries
is almost identical with the second quality of pewtei
already spoken of, that is, about one to four of lead
and tin.
It is impossible to tell easily, and without applying
a chemical test, how much lead a piece of pewter con-
tains. If you pass a piece of pewter across a bit of
white paper, the presence of lead will be indicated by
a dark mark, the greater the amount of lead the
darker the mark. If there is as much as ninety parts
of tin to ten of lead, there will be no mark, but seventy-
five per cent of tin, and twenty-five of lead will give
a faint mark. Between these two points it is all guess-
work, and with less than seventy-five per cent of tin
all pewter will give this mark.
The methods of making pewter have always been the
same, and it depended upon the nature of the object
whether it was cast, or hammered, or both, and then
finished by being put upon a lathe and burnished.
The most necessary thing for a pewterer was a set
of moulds, and as these were made, if possible, of gun-
metal, they were costly and could not be easily
obtained. Probably this was one reason for the gath-
ering of the pewterers into guilds or fellowships, for
34 OLD PEWTER, BRASS, ETC.
in that case the moulds were owned by the company
and were loaned or rented to members, some guilds,
like those at York, England, making a special rule
that the moulds were to be loaned without charge to
the members.
Although pewter was sometimes cast in sand or
in moulds of plaster-of-paris or metal, the best moulds,
as already stated, were of gun-metal. These were /
fitted with wooden handles for convenience in lifting,
and after a pewter object was taken from the mould
it was made bright by polishing. If possible, the
article was cast in one piece, and this was the case with
small objects, such as spoons, small salts, porringers,
bleeding-dishes, etc. \Yhen it came to large ewers, or
tankards with bulging sides, it was necessary to cast
the piece in sections, solder them together, and then
finish them off, but it is almost always possible to
detect the joints. Tankards with straight sides were
also cast in three pieces, and in some the bottom was
made of glass, so that the customer could keep an eye
as to the quality of liquor he was getting. If the
handles were hollow, they were cast in two pieces,
joined, and then soldered to the body of the tankard.
Plates, properly made, were first cast and then
hammered, four or five rows of hammer-marks show-
ing on the under side. The hammering gave strength
to the metal and a good finish. This rule, however,
applies solely to the smaller sizes of plates, for large
platters, or chargers, were made entirely with the
hammer from rolled sheets of metal. It was the
ancient custom to fashion small dishes or bowls with
Fig, 18. KITCHEN AT MOUNT VKRNON
ENGLISH AND AMERICAN PEWTER 35
" ears " all in one piece, and those pewterers who made
the ears separately and soldered them on were repri-
manded if the fact were discovered by the company.
Saltcellars were either cast in a mould and then hand-
finished, or cast in two pieces, then soldered, and fin-
ished. This is usually the case with those which
have a foot.
The tools used by the pewterer were comparatively
simple and few in number. After the moulds, the
lathe was the most important implement. It con-
sisted of a head-stock and a tail-stock, with a simple
mandrel, the motive power being supplied by a boy
or an unskilled workman, who was called a " turn-
wheel." Then came, in order of value, the hammer,
the anvil, chisels, gouges, hooks, and the tools used
in burnishing. Notwithstanding that the lathe was
considered a tool in the pewterers' craft, its use was
restricted, and an edict dated 1595 enacts that no
saucers shall be sold save those which are beaten with
hammers.
The most valuable records of the English pew-
terers and their craft are contained in the books of
" The Worshipful Company of Pewterers," which go
back as far as 1348, about the middle of the reign of
Edward III. The Company is described as the " Craft
of Pewterers," and the ordinances deal exclusively
with matters relating to the trade. These records,
which contain the history of the Company down to
1760, have recently been transcribed, a task of
almost unending difficulty, which has been accom-
plished by Mr. Charles Welch, librarian of the Guild-
35 OLD PEWTER, BRASS, ETC.
hall, London. The earliest regulations (1348) seen*
to have been drawn so as to enforce the making of a
high quality of pewter, a reputation for which has
always been the aim of " The Worshipful Company."
The original ordinances, which were drawn up and
submitted to the mayor and aldermen for their
approval, are still a part of the records, and are written
in both Latin and Norman French, according to the
ancient custom of the city. I give the first paragraph
as it runs translated by Mr. H. T. Riley, in his " Memo-
rials of London," printed in 1868:
" First for as moche os the crafte of peuterers is founded vppon
certaine maters & metales as of brasse tyn & lede in pte of the
wheche iij metals they make vessels that is to saie pottes salers
clysshes platers and othir thinges by good folke be spoken wheche
werkes aske certaine medles & alays aftir the maner of the
tiessels be spoken which thinges can not be made without goode
auisement of the peuterere experte and kunnynge in the crafte.
Therevppon the crafte goode folk of the crafte praien that it be
ordeined that iij or iiij moste trew & cunnyng of the crafte be
chosen to ouersee the alales and werkes aforesaide. And by
thaire examinacion and asay amendement to be made where the
defaute is hastely vppon the dede and if any rebel ayenst the
wardeins or assaiours than the dafaute and the name of the tres-
passour rebelle to be sent to the maire and to be iuged in the
presence of the goode folke of the Crafte that have take the de-
faute. And be it vnderstonde that al maner vessells of peauter
as disshes Saucers platers chargeours pottes square Cruettes
square Crismatories and othir thinges that they make square or
Cistils that they be made of fyne peauter and the mesure of
Brasse to the tyn as moche as it wol receiue of his nature of the
same and al othir thinges of the saide crafte that be wrozte as
pottes rounde that pertaine to the crafte to be wrouzte of tyn
with an aiay of lede to a resonable mesure and the mesure of
the alay of an C tyn xxvj Ib. lede and that is called vessels of
tyn for euer,"
ENGLISH AND AMERICAN PEWTER 37
The ordinance goes on to state :
That none may become a member of the craft unless
he " wirke truely " and hath been an apprentice.
That none may sell pewter ware in the city till it has
been assayed by the wardens and found satisfactory.
That neither is it lawful to send ware out of the
city for sale, unless it has been assayed by the wardens.
If such be done, he shall " be ateint afore the maire
and aldermen be he punished bi theire discrecion aftir
his trespasse whan he is atient at the sute of the goode
folke of his crafte."
Then come the penalties to.be enforced on appren-
tices who are dishonest, on members of the craft who
do bad work, and also the rule which savours of the
" closed shop," that none may work at night!
No man is to entice away another man's workmen,
and no one is to take a workman who has not been
apprenticed.
The earliest name by which this Company was
known was " The Craft of Pewterers " ; by 1528 it was
altered to "The Craft or Mystery"; and in 1611 the
words Craft and Mystery disappear, and from that
date the name was " The Company of Pewterers."
Although great care is taken to give the proportions
of lead and tin used in the inferior quality of pewter,
which made what was known as " vessels of tin," the
proportions used in " fine pewter," which is a mixture
of tin and brass, is left very vague and was doubtless a
trade secret.
The regulations which governed the craft were most
jealously guarded and enforced, for the credit of the
38 OLD PEWTER, BRASS, ETC.
trade, .and this was not peculiar to the pewterers alone,
but common to all the guilds. By a statute passed in
1363 it was enacted that "two of every craft shall be
chosen to survey that none use other craft than that
same which he has chosen/' which prohibited any
" handy man " from getting more than his share of
business.
For seventy-five years the craft prospered and grew
very powerful (it was fourteenth in the list of guilds),
and the Company kept taking to itself new privileges
without laying the matters before the mayor and alder-
men. It was brought up with a round turn by this
latter body, which had no idea of seeing perquisites
and power slipping from itself, and all the ordinances
made previous to the year 1438, without the authority
of the mayor or aldermen, were annulled.
It was further enacted that every pewterer should
attend at the Pewterers' Hall when summoned, and
a " bedel " was appointed to see to this matter. At
the same time a table of regulations for the standard
weight of vessels was drawn up, and offenders who
did not make their wares conform to this standard
were to be dealt with accordingly.
The different kinds of ware were made by different
workmen, plates and chargers by one set, called
" Sad-ware men " ; pots and vessels for liquids by
another class known as " Hollow-ware men " ; and
spoons, little salts, and other small wares by the poorer
members of the trade, who were designated " Triflers."
So great were the powers exercised by the body of
pewterers that it was enabled to ask and obtain the
ENGLISH AND AMERICAN PEWTER 39
privilege of getting a fourth part of all the tin which
was brought into London, and the wardens of the craft
had to see that enough tin for their use was brought
from the mines of Cornwall and Devonshire, and that
the merchants of the stannaries did not abuse their
rights and adulterate its quality. From time to time
the fact crops out that the quality of the tin sent up to
London was tampered with, and there are many com-
plaints and petitions regarding it. So many trades
were affected that in 1707 the Company petitioned the
Lord Treasurer with reference to the abuses in certain
mines in Cornwall and Devon. The petition states
that the mines produced
"oar of three Qualityes all verry useful . . . which qualityes
render it preferrable to all other Tin in the World."
And then it goes on to relate that the
"constant practice & usage of the Tinners had formerly been
to smelt or blow the Oar from cache mine by itselfe, at some con-
tiguos Blowinghouse whch kept their sevrall Qualityes intire."
But it seemed that large proprietors had acquired,
under Letters Patent, the right to buy from different
mines and smelt down the various qualities, and thus
rendering it unfit
" for abundance of uses wherin Tin is wholly consumed. Its
quality and lustre being changed, An Scarlett Dyers, Tin ffoyl
workers, Potters for all white Ware, Pinmakers, Founders,
Plumbers and Glasiers . . . nor is the sd Tin of itself soe fitt
to be sent to Turky and other places in Barrs nor for making
fine Pewter or for Dyers Kettles &etc. And although the Pew-
terers of London at this time are obliged to take the Tin as it
riseth or yet stand still Yet when Tin shall be free there will be
a difference made in price between Tinn blown as formerly and
this now complained of."
40 OLD PEWTER, BRASS, ETC.
And the petition prays for some remedy of these
evils.
The first record made in these books for the pur-
chase of a number of moulds is dated 1451 ; they were
for the use of the members, and they consisted of " plat
molde, dyshe molde, Sawsyrmolde, medyl molde, Saly-
dyshe molde, quawre molde, and Trenchor molde."
At this period (about 1450) the members of the
craft seem to have been divided into two if not more
classes, the " bretheren," who took a share in the
government of the craft, and the " freemen," who had
to be content with the trade privileges only. " Sust-
ren " were admitted to the craft, not only to the
religions fellowship, but as working members, since
the audit books show that they made their contribu-
tions, which are included in the accounts. Yet, even
so, in 1590 it was ordered that
" whereas Andrew bowyar hath herto fore byne admonyshed
for settynge a worke a woman to graue vppon his pewter con-
trary to the ordynaunce of the house and hath payed his fyne for
it, at this court he is charged agayne for the lyke offence and now
he is adiuged to pave V.s. for a fyne and yf ever he be found to do
the lyke then he shall paye the vtmost of the fyne whch is iij. li."
Many functions were observed by the Company other
than those of mere business. Its members always
attended the funerals of those of the craft who died,
and the charges for " drynke " are duly set down.
Before the Company took possession of its " Create
Hall," it rented a hall of the Austin Friars, and from
the Grey Friars the use of a hall for the three great
religious festivals of the year, Christmas, Easter,
and the Feast of the Assumption. The altar was kept
ENGLISH AND AMERICAN PEWTER 41
bright at the expense of the craft, although it is noted
that some half-burned candles were returned to the
chandler who furnished them, and were duly allowed
for in his account.
Even before its incorporation, the Guild had owned
a seal, and, as its patroness was the Virgin Mary, part
of the device of the Company was two lily pots, which
appeared on either side of the Virgin's figure.
The Company also paid for the " Bedel, his gown,"
and as he was the most important paid official of the
company it was a good one. He lived at the Hall,
and went with the masters and wardens when they
were on searches for pewter which was not up to the
standard, and sometimes he went on searches by him-
self. Besides hunting clown delinquent pewterers he
kept the Hall in order, summoned all the " bretheren "
to the meetings, paid the alms, and, under the charge
of the master and wardens, superintended the purchase
of tin, lead, etc., saw to the renting of moulds, stamp-
ing of wares, and, in fact, kept up all the trade relations
of the Company.
The guilds of London were great and important
bodies, bound by their charters to render many duties
to the city. They were called upon to defend it, as
well as to act in concert with the governor of the
Tower and furnish men for its defence in times of war
or civil commotion. There are numerous entries for
such service in the interesting records of the Pewterers 5
Company, and one of the first of these is in 1460, when
the Company furnished two men fully armed, whom
they maintained at London Bridge for thirty days.
42 OLD PEWTER, BRASS, ETC.
The history of these great guilds is really English
history, and in the pages of their records we see
reflected the struggles and turmoils which were agitat-
ing England. About this same time (1463) Edward
IV was coming from Sheen to London by water, and
the citizens of London, who had given him great
assistance, went joyfully forth to meet him, and all
the guilds and corporations combined to give him a
fitting and stately welcome. The Pewterers' Guild
was not behind the other and more powerful guilds,
hiring a boat and a barge, " for to goo wt the kyng to
resceiue hym atte his comyng."
The companies gave their attendance to the mayor
seven times a year when he went to church, or, as it
is recorded, "to Paules," St. Paul's being the church
where services were held with the greatest state.
These seven occasions were Allhallow's Day (Novem-
ber i), Christmas Day, St. Stephen's Day (December
26), St. John's Day (December 27), New Year's Day,
Twelfth Day, and Candlemas Day. They also attended
the mayor when he went to take the oath of office at
Westminster on St. Simon's and St. Jude's Day (Octo-
ber 28), and the wardens of the Pewterers' Guild had
a place at the mayor's feast, being fourteenth in the
order of precedence, and being represented by five
persons besides the wardens. Those who were not
invited to the Guildhall, where the dinner was held,
had a dinner provided for them elsewhere at the cost
of the stewards.
On January 20, 1473, Edward IV gave a charter
to the Company, by which it became a corporation.
ENGLISH AND AMERICAN PEWTER 43
This charter greatly enlarged its powers and extended
its control over all England. By this means its searches
for inferior ware were carried on throughout the
whole country, and much " ley-metal," or under-
quality pewter, was brought to London, where it was
bought by the wardens and used again with sufficient
good metal added to bring it up to the requirements.
That there was need for these frequent searches,
the following item, taken from that valuable reposi-
tory of manners and customs, " The Paston Letters,"
goes to show. Madam Paston, writing from Norwich,
England, in 1452, to her husband in London, says:
" Right worshipful husband, I commend me to you. I pray you
that ye will buy two dozen trenchers, for I can get none fit in
this town."
In 1461 the same conditions apparently still exist, for
he is in London as before, and she writes him :
"Alsoe if ye be at home this Christmas it were well done ye
should purvey a garnish or train of pewter vessels, two basins,
two ewers, and twelve candlesticks -for ye have too few of any
of these to serve this place."
Although this lady seems very subservient and meek
to her husband, she was a terror to her family. One
of the family friends was a certain Stephen Scrope,
and to show how lax were the ideas of the times, I
quote a line from one of his letters : " For very need
I was fain to sell a little daughter I have for much
less than I should." In after years, when this same
Scrope was quite an old man, he wished to marry
Madam Paston's young daughter, and the girl was
44 OLD PEWTER, BRASS, ETC.
quite willing to take him provided he could show that
his land was not burdened with debt. Her readiness
does not seem so singular when we read that the poor
girl was kept in confinement by her mother, who beat
her at least twice a week, so that she writes to her
brother, " My head is continually broken in two or
three places ! " She also says that if the Scrope mar-
riage cannot be arranged she hopes he will hurry and
>me one else for her. It is pleasant to know that
;l.c did find somebody, and seems to have been reason-
r.bly happy.
Madam Paston was by no means a person of low
degree, but the whole thing is typical of the low and
material view of life which prevailed during the period
of the Wars of the Roses, and indeed for many years
after. It is well-nigh impossible to conceive how at
this time the barest necessaries were limited. The
daily bath was a thing unknown, for, though centuries
before, in the southern countries, the elegance and
convenience of the splendid baths, where both hot and
cold water were supplied, were notorious, the abuses
engendered by them had brought about their suppres-
sion. Soap-balls and cleansing-balls were in use, to
be sure, but they rather glossed over than remedied
evils. The houses were kept in a condition which can
only be guessed at, since such morsels as were not eaten
at table were thrown among the rushes with which the
floor was strewed, and were shared with the dogs,
whose leavings were in turn devoured by rats and
mice. Often these rushes remained on the floor for
a week at a time, or perhaps more, and when they
ENGLISH AND AMERICAN PEWTER 45
grew too dusty they were sprinkled. One may guess
why " essences and flower-waters " were chosen for
this sprinkling.
The rich prelates, whose furred and silken garments
were the mates to those of royalty itself, did not allow
their tables to be any less richly spread. They owned
pewter very early, for when John Ely, vicar of Ripon,
died in 1427, he left, among other things, " di.dus.
games de vessel de pewdre cum ij chargiours."
The College of Auckland had in its storerooms in
1498, "xx pewder platters, xij pewder dyshes, viii
salters, ii paire of potclyppes, j garnishe of vessel,
j shaving basyn."
In the Convent of the Holy Cross, at Erfurt, Sax-
ony, as far back as 1470, there were found one hundred
and fifty pewter amphorae, seventy cups, jugs, por-
ringers, etc., and at St. Cyr, two hundred pewter
amphorae, with a number of flagons and tankards.
In 1575 the Archbishop of Canterbury possessed
" eighteen score and ten pounds of pewter vessels in the
kitchen, in jugs, basins, porringers, sauce-boats, pots, and nine-
teen candlesticks ; also pewter measures in the wine cellar, eight
pewter salts in the pantry at Lambeth, and two garnishes of
pewter with spoons, at Croyden."
The demand for pewter vessels, which had crowded
out wooden utensils and those of horn, continued, and
it was as early as 1474 that the marking of pewter is
first noted. All inferior pewter was to be stamped
with a "broad arrow," which showed that it was to
be forfeited, and then consigned to the melting-pot
and recast with new metal.
46 OLD PEWTER, BRASS, ETC.
The " touch-mark," which is so often spoken of
in connection with pewter, is the mark of the maker
of each particular piece, and it may be his name, or
his name accompanied by some device, like a rose, a
figure, or an animal. At first no list of these marks
was kept by the Company, nor was there any regis-
tration fee. There are, however, at the Pewterers'
Hall in London, five great boards on which many
marks are stamped. The earliest marks are very small,
and were initials only, so that it is impossible to
identify many of them, though the marks on these
plates went back as far as the middle of the fifteenth
century.
There is a record in the books, in the year 1492, of
a charge of two shillings for " markyn Irons for hollow
ware men," and this must have been for official use
by the Company, though what the device was, is not
known.
In 1503 there was made the first compulsory enact-
ment for the affixing of the name of the maker upon
all articles of pewter, though the practice had been in
use for years without compulsion. If a pewterer
declined to mark his ware he was fined five shillings
or more, probably according to the will of the master.
The great fairs which were held in various parts of
England, like the fair at St. Albans or at Stourbridge,
were also " searched " for illegal pewter, and in 1558,
at both these places, fines were levied. At " Saynt
albones " was " taken of George bate of alesbury a
sawcr." The second fining is more curious still, for
at f * sturbridge fayer of harry Ratclyf was taken a
ENGLISH AND AMERICAN PEWTER 4?
platter not marked, and he marched in company wth
a french woman."
There are given many inventories, taken from time
to time, of the contents of the Company's Hall and of
all their property. These are extremely interesting,
but very long, and in every one is mentioned, " A
Table of Pewter wt euery man's marke therein."
As early as 1552 it was customary to make pewter
covers for the coarse stone pots which were used as
drinking-vessels. In order that these lids should come
up to the standard, it was ordered that
-"all those that lyd stone pottes should set their own marke on
.the in syde of the lyd & to bring in all such stone pottes in to the
hall wherby they maye be vewed yf they be workmanly wrought &
so be markyd wt the marck of the hall on the owt syde of the
Lyd. Also euery one that makyth such stone pottes shall make
anew marck such one as the mr and wardens shalbe pleasid wtall
whereby they maye be known from this daye forward. Theise
pottes to be brought in wekly vpon the satterdaye and yf the
satterdaye be holly daye then to bring them in vpon the ffrydaye.
And loke who dotd the contrary shall forfayte for euery stone
pott so duely provyd iiij d. in mony over and beseyde the forfayte
of all such pottes as be not brought in according to this
artycle."
The payment for marking these pots was small, for
apparently some were brought to the Hall for marking.
" At the same Courte the mr Wardens and assystants wth the
hole clothing hath graunted that John Curtys shoulde haue ffor
markyng of every dosyn of stone pottes whosesoever brought
them to marck one ffarthing."
The rules for the marking of wares were constantly
before the Company, and many were the fines imposed.
By 1564 the rose and crown had become so important
48 OLD PEWTER, BRASS, ETC.
a mark that the following regulation concerning its use
was framed :
"Also it is agreed that euery one of the saide felowship that
makith any warre shall set his owne marke theron. And that no
man shall gene for his proper marck or touch the Rose and
crown wt lettrs nor otherwise but only to whome it is geuen by
the felowship. Nor that no man of the saide craft shall geue one
anothers marck nother wt lettrs nor otherwise, but euery one to
geue a sondry marck such one as shalbe alowed by the maister
and wardens for the tyme beinge vpon payne to forfaite and paye
for euery tyme offendinge to the Crafte's boxe xiij s. iiij d."
In the year 1592 it was ordered by the court
i
-"that all the company shall set ther tuches vppon a new plat
and that they shall paye ii.d. a pece and one penny to the clarke
ane one to the bedel."
Pewter was by this time pretty generally distributed
over the kingdom, and where, a century before, it had
been owned chiefly by the rich, now it appears in the
wills of the middle classes. James Flynt, Jr., died in
1561, at " ye piche of Matloke " (Derbyshire).
Among other things he leaves
-"to sonne & heyre harry my gretest brasse pott, a greit arke,
a greit satt & Ironspytt, and a greit Dubler of Pewtr & Iron
Crowe and a mattocke."
At the end of the sixteenth century Harrison wrote:
" Such furniture of household of this mettall, as we com-
monly call by the name of vessell, is sold usually by the garnish
which doth containe 12 platters, 12 dishes, 12 saucers and these
are either of silver fashion, or else with brode or narrow brims
and bought by the pound, which is now valued at sevenpence or
peradventure at eightpence."
The court took into its hands many other things
ENGLISH AND AMERICAN PEWTER 49
besides the business affairs of the members. Of course
this was true of the other guilds as well. For instance,
it was set down
"tuchyng how that all howsholders shall governe ther ser-
vauntes and howshold accordyng vnto the precept sent fro my
L maier dated the XXII of Apryll."
In order to keep the business still further in their
own hands, and suppress the sale of pewter by hawkers,
the whole company promised at this court, under a
penalty of five pounds for default, that they would
serve " no ware to any man who they knowe to be
hawkers or mayntayners of hawkers."
In 1602 the Company chose to make an example of
a certain " John frethene," who, being only a journey-
man, still bought and sold as a householder, even
though he did not give his touch to the Company or
ask leave to open a shop. For these offences the court
fined him seventeen shillings on four counts, and took
his note that he would pay the fines before Candlemas.
By 1663 there were so many pewterers both in and
out of London that it became necessary to keep a
sharp lookout on the touch-marks, and the " Genii
Court " ordered " that all tuches bee made wth the
date 63 and yt they bee registered in a boke at ye hall
wthin a month." This book has been lost, so that
unfortunately the only touch-marks are those which
are to be found on the five touch-plates which still
remain to the Company.
The Company, under the supervision of the master
and wardens, continued to exercise the greatest care
So OLD PEWTER, BRASS, ETC.
that the wares which were made by its members should
be of standard quality. Severe penalties were laid
on any erring brother who was discovered : he was
not only fined, but imprisoned, brought before the
Company, and made to confess his fault and to pray
for leniency that he might become a member once
more, and to bring in and yield up his old touch, and
" haue for his tuch a duble ff," which meant false
ware. Besides all these penalties already mentioned,
he had also to give up all the wares which he had
already made and which were in his shop.
The Company not only seized the false ware made
in England, but it also exercised control over all that
was sold, in London at least. In 1656 the court
ordered that all the ware seized should be melted
" downe and Sould for Lay except the frenchmans
ware and ye dutch ware and Marsh ware." Although
the maker of inferior ware was always obliged to
change his " tuch," the terrible " ff " was not always
the punishment. Sometimes a knot was ordered to
be added to the old touch, and sometimes the offender
had to take an entirely new device. On other occa-
sions the fraudulent makers were obliged to add the
year to their touch-mark, so that it " maie be knowne
whoe were the offenders therein."
No member of the Company was allowed to have
more than one mark at a time ; and if the mark was too
large to be conveniently put on small pieces, then the
pewterer was allowed to have a smaller copy of his
great mark made, but he had to leave the impressions
of both marks with the Company. When a man
ENGLISH AND AMERICAN PEWTER Si
bought out the business of another, by the permission
of the court he was allowed to use the first man's touch,
provided he had his permission also. At one time the
members of the Company got into trouble by stamping
their ware with the mark of the Goldsmiths' Company,
and rules were duly framed to meet this need.
We often hear the term " silver pewter," used no
doubt with a view to enhancing the value of the object,
but it is hardly likely that a metal like tin should be
mixed with silver. Of itself, tin is extremely brittle,
and to add silver enough to give it any value would
be but to increase this quality. Sebaldus Ruprech.t,
working in the fourteenth century, made himself and
his wares famous, because they so closely resembled
silver, while another German, Melchior Koch, had a
process by which he made his pewter look like pure
gold. Such workers as these caused the Goldsmiths'
Company to become uneasy, and in 1579 they secured
an enactment that no pewterer should work in any
metal but pewter, binding themselves at the same time
not to work in that metal themselves. They had made
a similar regulation in Paris as early as 1545, and in
Nuremberg in 1579, the same year as in England.
A Major Purling invented in 1652 an alloy which
he called " Silvorum," but the Pewterers' Company
would have none of it, and would not consent to allow
one of their members to work with its inventor. The
Company also prohibited Lawrence Dyer from selling
" untoucht ware, and making of false plat called
Silvorum, the which ware is ceased and detayned by
the Company."
52 OLD PEWTER, BRASS, ETC.
The order not to use the word " London " on the
touch of any maker was issued in 1676. This was
modified by 1690, and it was agreed that a member
might add the word " London " to his touch in addi-
tion to the rose and crown, and to the letter " X,"
denoting extraordinary ware.
Country pewterers had the bad habit of adding the
word " London " to the stamp of their own name, and
as their wares often did not come up to the standard
demanded by the Company there were many com-
plaints. Although this practice gave the Company
much trouble, and came before it from time to time for
a hundred years, the matter was finally dropped in
1740, when a committee which had been appointed to
investigate reported that nothing could be done to pre-
vent country pewterers from striking " London " or
" Made in London " on their ware, without application
to Parliament.
Just about this time a protest was sent over from
Philadelphia that the " Guinea Basons " sent from the
city of Bristol to America were of inferior quality,
and some redress was demanded.
Another source of trouble to the pewterers came
from the " Crooked Lane " men, the name of whose
.place of business was indicative of their methods.
Whether in some underhand way they imported ves-
sels of inferior metal, or whether they themselves made
some kind of tin ware, is not now known; but that
they were a serious annoyance to the craft is evident
from the fact that 50 (a large sum in 1634) was
paid for the
ENGLISH AND AMERICAN PEWTER 53
-"suppressing of the excesse and abusive making of Crooked
Lane ware, whereby the so doing and counterfeiting of the reall
commodity of Tynn is to the greate deceit or wrong of his
Ma'ties subjects."
Although the Crooked Lane men tried to get a charter
for their goods in 1669, nothing seems to have come
of it.
While it was obligatory that each maker should
place his name on his ware, it was not necessary that
he should put on the rose and crown. In some cases
certain articles were stamped with certain marks; as,
for instance, the pewter lids of drinking-pots, which
it was ordered should have on them a Heur-de-lys.
This rule had been in order since 1548.
There were very definite regulations as to what
the standard weight of pewter vessels should be. I
give the " new table," which was made April 14, 1673,
since it most nearly approximates the time which
would be of peculiar interest to us in America.
DISHES, 15 sizes from 20 Ib. to one half pound weight, weights
as implied in their description, i.e., a 20 Ib. dish to weigh
20 Ib., and so on.
PLATES, ii Ib., each dozen 15-} Ib. ; i Ib., each dozen 13 Ib. ;
Ib., each dozen 10 Ib.
GUINIE BASONS, 6 sizes from 4 Ib. to i Ib. weights as de-
scribed.
BEDD PANNS, great 4* Ib., middle 3i Ib., small 3 Ib.
LAVERS, great 5 Ib., middle 4 Ib., small 3 Ib.
FLAGGONS, great pottle 8 Ib., small pottle 6 Ib., three pint 4
Ib., quart 3 Ib.
EFRAM and other Potts, three quart 4* Ib., two quart 3 Ib.
2 oz., three pint 2 Ib. 2 oz., quart i Ib. 10 oz., pint I Ib. 2
oz., half pint I Ib.
WINCHESTER QUART, each shall weigh ii Ib.
54 OLD PEWTER, BRASS, ETC.
GUINEY POTTS OR TUNN PINTES, each dozen 12 Ib.
LONG AND SHORT CANN, each I Ib.
NEW FASHIONED TANKARDS, great quart 2! Ib., small quart 2
Ib., four inches if Ib., pint ii Ib., ordinary four inches I Ib.
6 oz.
STOOLE PANS, 5 Ib. 4 Ib. 3 Ib. 2\ Ib. of same weight.
FRENCH AND SQUARE CANDLESTICKS, great, middle, small, smallest,
5* ib., 4^ Ib., 3$ Ib., 2i Ib., each pair.
FLAT CANDLESTICKS, great, middle, round, smallest, 4^ Ib.,
Z\ Ib., 2i Ib., \\ Ib., each pair.
BELL CANDLESTICKS, i Ib., I Ib. to weigh 2} Ib., \\ Ib. each pair.
PORRENGERS.
Great pints, each dozen 9 Ib. ; small pints each dozen 7i Ib.
Bosse, six sizes varying in weight each dozen from 7 Ib. to 2 Ib.
Ordinary blood porrengers, each dozen \\ Ib.
Guinney, each dozen 3* Ib.
Great corded, middle, small, each dozen respectively 9 Ib., 8 Ib.,
6i Ib.
SAWCERS.
Slight, great per gross 22 Ib., small per gross 14 Ib.
New fashioned swaged; great, middle, small, each dozen re-
spectively 7 Ib., 5 Ib., 4 Ib.
LAY.
Wine measures ; gallon 10 Ib., pottle 6 Ib., quart 3 Ib., pint 2 Ib.,
half pint I Ib., quarter pint 8 Ib. each dozen, half quarter pint
4 Ib. each dozen.
STILL HEADS, being 9, 10, n, 12, inches at bottom to weigh
9, 10, n, 12 Ib., 13 inches 15 Ib., 14 inches 17 Ib.
AND it is by this Court further Ordered that the weight of
STANDISHES shall be as followeth (vist) :
GREAT water large with Lyons 2i Ib., great Water plaine 2 Ib.,
middle Water wth Lyons 2 Ib., middle water plaine I Ib. 10
oz., Small water wth Lyons if Ib., Small water plaine I Ib.
6 oz., Long Till with Lyons I Ib. 6 oz., Long Till plaine I Ib.,
Round Water wth Lyons I Ib., Round Water plaine I Ib.
Merchants who sold these vessels were to charge four-
pence more than cost price, and transportation, except
for some special objects like " guinney basons."
ENGLISH AND AMERICAN PEWTER 55
Admission to the Company of Pewterers and per-
mission to follow the trade was by no means the
simple thing it seems. There were only two ways by
which a would-be pewterer could gain a foothold in
the body, by serving his time as an apprentice with
a member of the craft, or by patrimony. In 1688 two
men applied for the freedom of the Company and were
denied, although one of them had a brother who was
a member, and the other conducted the business for
a relative whose death had left it in his hands. This
latter man, a merchant tailor by trade, though he had
gained " competent skill " in the trade of pewterer, was
not allowed to become a trader " upon any terms what-
soever." At this same time one Geffers, a " Free
pewterer of Corke who had fled thence from danger
of his life through persecution, prayed Leave to work
or be releived." The Company would not allow him
to work, but granted him twenty shillings in relief.
Another case was that of a French pewterer who had
suffered so much for his religion that he had barely
escaped from France with his life and had lost all his
property. He prayed to be allowed to continue his
work, but was permitted only to do so "privately in
his own chamber," and that but for the space of a
few months.
The practice of putting the address of one's shop
or place of business on the ware was much frowned
upon at first, and it was not allowed to be placed on
the ware at all. Indeed you might not even extol the
quality of your own ware, and in 1590 there appears
this entry in the books: "A fyne of Richard Staple
56 OLD PEWTER, BRASS, ETC.
ffor boastyng his wares to be better than the other
metis, iij s. iiij d." Nor was it allowed to disperse
" tickets," with name and abode on them, about the
city, and in 1690 one Robert Lock was reprimanded
for so doing, but denied the charge.
By the eighteenth century the members of the Com-
pany were divided into three classes : the Livery or
Clothing men, " brotheren that paien quarterege " ;
the Yeomanry or Freemen, that were not " brotheren,"
but paid quarterage all the same; and the Covenant
men or Apprentices, who served the second class, who
were their masters. The lot of the apprentices
was by no means one of ease, for they were liable to
be punished by being put in the stocks or kept in the
pillory all the market time. They were not allowed
to be absent from work, nor to take part " at any
unlawful game as dising bowling and Carding." If
they did, and were caught, they were brought before
the Lord Mayor, who could mete out such punishment
as he deemed proper. They were obliged to attend
church with their masters, and to have their hair cut,
not being allowed to " weare unseemly haire not befit-
ting an apprentice"; and in 1572 a proclamation was
issued "tendinge to the reformacion of the greate abuse
latelie practized by Apprentizes in excesse of appar-
raile." This was some of the rulings of " Good Queen
Bess," who would not allow the wearing of " ye
Ruffes " by her subjects except in such widths as she
deemed proper. Her own ruffs, of finest lawn and
lace, stiffened with " devil's broth," as starch was
called, and held out with underproppers of wire, were
ENGLISH AND AMERICAN PEWTER 57
as extravagant as fancy could devise. They swelled
with the " proper arch of pride," and encircled her
auburn head like a halo, but all city folk, even the
clergy, had to conform to the width of ruff she deemed
proper for them, and such as offended were likely to
have the objectionable ruff measured by the guard and
its superfluity lopped off.
The apprentices were punished for purchasing metal
privately, for refusing to work for former masters,
for making any articles " free," and they were not
permitted to receive wages. They were also expected
to serve as " whifflers " at pageants and processions,
that is, they had to run ahead and keep the way clear ;
and they served at banquets ; so, as may be seen, their
position was hardly enviable.
The members of the craft brought into the trea-
sury generous sums from the renting of their pewter
plate. A " garnish " was a small supply, a dozen
each of platters, plates, and small plates; and there
were not many households which owned more, so
" feast vessels " were often rented. The members
became too free in borrowing the Company plate, for
in 1656 this rule was laid down:
" It is ordered that the pewter of the Hall shall not bee lent
to any of the Membrs of this Company or to any but vpon
Spctial occasion for his or there pticular vses as r~ case of wed-
ding or other grand occasion of their one, nor then neither
wthout Spetill lisence of the Mastr and wardens first had been
obtayned."
No new pewter was rented out, but only that which
had been in use. Even royalty was not above renting
58 OLD PEWTER, BRASS, ETC.
it in their need, and all the city companies owned more
or less, which they were as ready to rent as the Pew-
terers themselves. At Queen Anne's coronation feast
much pewter was used, and the tale has come down
that quantities of it were stolen.
From time to time we find records of large stocks
of private pewter, and some of them very early too.
Edward I had more than three hundred pieces in his
own use. The Universities of Cambridge and Oxford
had services and cups of pewter as early as 1470, but
it is nearly all gone now, silver plate having taken its
place.
Drinking-vessels, whether in the form of beakers,
mugs, tankards, or earthen pots with lids of pewter,
early formed an important part of the pewterers'
trade. Harrison, in his " Description of England,"
says:
" As for drinke it is ustiallie filled in pots, gobblets, jugs, bols
of silver in noblemens houses, also in fine Venice glasses of all
formes, and for want of these, elsewhere, in pots of earth of stm-
drie colours and moulds, whereof manie are garnished with
silver, or at the leastwise in pewter."
The Pewterers' Company wished to control the
trade with regard to taverns, and the weight of pots,
pottle pots, and tankards was definitely decided upon.
To show that the Company had more than the silver-
smiths to contend with, I quote from Heywood's
" Philocothonista," published in 1635, in which he
speaks of the cups then in use :
"Of drinking cups divers and sundry sorts we have; some of
elme, some of box, some of maple, some of holly, etc., maziers,
ENGLISH AND AMERICAN PEWTER 5 9
broad-mouthed dishes, noggins, whiskins, piggins, crinzes, ale-
bowls, wassell-bowls, court-dishes, tankards, Cannes, from a pottle
to a pint, from a pint to a gill. Other bottles we have of leather,
but they are most used among the shepherds and harvest people
of the country. Small Jacks we have in many of the ale-houses
of the cities and suburbs, tipt with silver, besides the great black
jacks and bombards at the court, which when the Frenchmen first
saw they reported at their return into their own country, that the
Englishmen used to drink out of their bootes. We have besides
cups made of the homes of beasts, of the eggs of ostriches, others
made of the shells of divers fishes brought from the Indes and
other places, and shining like mother of pearl. Come to plate,
every taverne can afford you flat bowles, French bowles, prounet
bowles, beare bowels, beakers; and private house-holders in the
citie when they make a feast to entertaine their friends can fur-
nish their cupboards with flagons, tankards, biere-cups, wine-
bowles, some white, some parcell gilt, some gilt all over, some
with covers, others without of sundry shapes and sizes."
Although our author does not mention pewter in all
this list, it is very certain that most of the tavern ware
was of this useful metal. The weight of a pottle pot,
which was one that held two quarts, was to be seven
and a half pounds, and the others in proportion. Per-
haps no articles made by the Company were so rigor-
ously made to conform to the standard as these same
tavern measures, and severe fines were inflicted when
its members offended, as may be seen from the follow-
ing regulation:
"Also it is agreed that none of the felowship shall make any
tankerd quarte nor tankerd pinte nor sell of those kynd of potte
for any mony or otherwise but only the therdendale and half ther-
dendale accordinge to the Lawes and constitucion of this Citie.
And also the pot called the brode pynt And that no holowaremen
shall make any potte of Just quarte or pynte for ale and beare
measure but only the stope pottell the great stope quart and the
great stope pynt, and the great pynt with the Brode Bottam the
60 OLD PEWTER, BRASS, ETC.
greate English pottell the greate English quarte and the great
Knijlish pynt and none other. And as for taverne ware to make
them according to the assice and as by example remaynyng in
o\vre hall And who so ener offendeth to the contrary and true
meanyng heareof shalbe comitted to the warde there to remayne
vntil he haue paide xl s. for enery tyme offending the one moitie
of which forfaiture to be to the Chaumbrlayne of london and the
other moitie to the Crafte boxe."
In the latter part of the sixteenth century it was
found that measures were being made which did not
conform to the standard agreed upon, and the man
who made them was thereupon disciplined, as it was
ordered
" that from hence furthe, Roger Hawkesforde, shall not make
any moe wyne pottes, wherebie to sell or vtter the same, of that
molde or fasshion, nowe at this presente daie, shewed, before the
maister, Wardeins, and assistannces, for that by there greate
breadthe in the mouthe and shortness, throughonte, there ap-
pearethe, a manifeste deceite in measure, to all other the queenes
maiesties, subiectes, receyvinge wyne, by suche their saide cur-
tailed, and uniuste measure."
In the next year (1575) an offender was still more
severely dealt with, as he made pots of ley metal. On
account of his humble subjection he was excused this
time, but warned that on the second offence he should
be expelled from the Company for ever, and, as it
was, he was obliged to give up his touch and was given
a new one.
There were constant alterations in the making of
tavern ware, and by 1638 there were so many dif-
ferent kinds in use that the Pewterers' Company drew
up a petition to the king concerning the matter.
Fig. 19. PEWTER GROUP
4, 5, Tea Service Formerly Belonging to Sir Walter Scott
6, 7, Tumblers
8, 9, Toddy and Soup Ladles
ENGLISH AND AMERICAN PEWTER 61
" Certaine Articles or propositions were read [December 12,
1638] wch are desired to be propounded to his Matie, and ye
same by his Gracious pleasure to be graunted. The whch were
all well liked by the Genii Comp.
ist. That ye Measures for Beare, Ale, Milke, and ye like be
of pewter and sealed according to a statute in ye case prouided.
2d. That noe Candlesticks, Pye Plates, Pie Coffins, chamber
potts, Pastie platts, potts, or other dishes be made of white
plate whch doth hinder ye consumption of Tynne.
3d. That all forragn Ware, from ffrance, Holland, etc., be
prohibited.
4th. That ye Comp. of Pewterers of London may have power
and Authoretie to search and sease all falce mettal and wares
in Ireland and Scotland, according as in England is Prouided by
Statute."
The " pie coffins " referred to were moulds in which
pies were baked, and the " white metal " which they
desired suppressed was silver. All the time new ves-
sels were coming into use, and the struggles which the
pewterers made to keep their wares well to the front
were unceasing. The use and sale of liquor was grow-
ing more and more, and at last the Company informed
the Court that " there was a great increase of Muggs
made of Earth and a Mark impressed thereon in
imitacon of Sealed Measures to sell liquid Comoclities
in." This was about 1702, when the pottery Bellar-
mines were beginning to be freely made, and the Elers
Brothers were potting too, and ware was being
brought into England by every ship which came from
the Orient.
There were also what were called "knot bowls,"
and " mazer bowls," these latter being drinking-bowls
made from maple-wood (the old name of maple being
"mazer"), and these were bound or tipped with
62 OLD PEWTER, BRASS, ETC.
silver or pewter, and indeed were frequently lined
with these metals. I know of one such bowl, bound
with silver and standing on delicate little legs, which
was the property of a wealthy Dutch fvrow in Sche-
nectady in 1736. It has come down through various
members of the family, together with some of her
silver, and makes a much-treasured heirloom.
At an auction sale in London in 1905 one of these
mazer bowls, which dated from the seventeenth
century, was sold for several thousand dollars, many
collectors being anxious to secure it.
Besides the mugs which are so .constantly spoken
of, there were beakers and tankards. The former was
a drinking-vessel generally without handles, small at
the bottom, and sloping outward at the top. These
are found in inventories at the very beginning of the
seventeenth century. In England at the present day
one will be more likely to find them in the collector's
cabinet than among the heirlooms of great people or
even among the treasures of corporations. These are
the beakers of English make, for it is much easier
to find those of Dutch origin or from the countries of
northern Europe.
Dr. Johnson suggests that the origin of the name
was " beak," and defined the " beaker " as " a cup
with a spout in the form of a bird's beak." Other
authorities say that it was a kind of vessel derived
from Flanders or Germany, without fixing its shape ;
and Forby claims to trace it to the Saxon " bece "
(beech), " ordinary drinking-vessels being made oi
beech-wood." De Laborde gets the English word
ENGLISH AND AMERICAN PEWTER 63
" byker " from the French word buket, giving as his
authorities the cases where the latter is used to mean
a holy-water bucket or a large cup with a cover.
In Scotland the beaker seemed to be a favourite
form of communion-cup in the seventeenth century.
Some early references are as follows :
'1346. " ciphtim meum biker argenti." From the will of a
canon of York.
1348. "Bikers, cups intended for ladies." Memorials of the
Order of the Garter, by Beltz.
1399. "Two bikers of silver gilt, 29 oz., one other biker gilt, 16
oz. From the list of a jeweller's stock in Cheapside.
1625. "One white beaker." From the inventory of Edward
Waring of Lea, Esq."
These references are to utensils of silver, but beakers
were made of pewter as well, and in some cases it
was sought to conceal the nature of the metal with
paint. In 1622 a search was conducted at Lambeth
Marsh, where were found " divers peece of painted
pewter " of bad workmanship. They were taken from
two " aliens," John Heath and Anthony Longsay, and
the pieces are referred to in the following manner :
" i great BeaKcr pte white marked wth the Starre. Starton."
"Afterwards in Bedlam, in the house of Paull Dickenson,
Heath and Longsays ptner weare some smallest paynted
beakers and salts."
Tankards, on the contrary, were large at the base
and sloped up to a smaller mouth, and had handles and
lids. This was the commonest type, but there were
also tankards with straight sides and with bowl-shaped
bodies. On the handles of many tankards are to be
64 OLD PEWTER, BRASS, ETC.
found whistles. These date from Jacobean times, and
were used to summon the drawer when " fresh drinks
all round " were wanted by the company. Little by
little the whistles fell into disuse, but the tankard-
makers kept on in their old fashion and made the
handles of just the same shape. There were also
" puzzle " handles for the confusion of a green
customer. If he failed to put his finger over a hole,
the liquor either failed to come out, or spilled over, or
did some other unexpected thing which tended to his
confusion and to the mirth of the company, which
was always alive to all species of horse-play and con-
sidered the stranger fair game.
Before the days of individual cups of all kinds it
was the custom to pass among the company the cup
which cheered as well as inebriated, and there was
difficulty in so arranging that each guest should have
his due share and no more. This was finally obviated
by having, in the inside of the cup, pegs or marks upon
the side, so that each drinker could tell how much was
his portion, and the company looked to it that each
one drank fair. The correctness of the use of the
word " tankard " as referring to a drinking-vessel is
seldom questioned, but Mr. Cripps, in his interesting
volume on "Old English Plate," shows a different
origin.
"The use of the word 'tankard' in its now familiar sense of b
large drinking-vessel with a cover and a handle is of com-
paratively modern introduction. No article of plate is called
by that name in any of the volumes of wills and inventories pub-
lished by the Surtees Society, which carry us to the year 1600
The word seems to first occur in this sense about 1575, and from
Fig. 20. ENGLISH PEWTER
Collection of Mrs. Charles Barry
ENGLISH AND AMERICAN PEWTER 65
that time is constantly applied to the vessels that have been ever
since known as tankards. 1
" In earlier days it was used for the wooden tubs bound with
iron, and containing some three gallons, in which water was
carried. The men who fetched the water from the conduits in
London were called ' tankard bearers,' and in a Coroner's Roll of
1276, for the ward of Castle Bayard, tankards are mentioned as
the vessels they bore. This roll sets forth that one Greene, a
water-carrier, who had come to St. Paul's Wharf, ' cu quodam
tancardo,' intending to take up water with it, entered a boat
there, and, after filling the tankard, attempted to place it on the
wharf, but the weight of the water in the tankard making the
boat move away as he was standing on its board, he fell into
the water between the boat and the wharf, and was drowned, as
the coroner found, by misadventure.
" Again, in 1337, the keepers of the conduits received a sum of
money for rents ' for tynes and tankards/ thereat ; and in 1350
a house is hired for one year at IDS. to put the tankards in, les
tanqucrs, and two irons were bought for stamping them.
" Similar utensils are found in farming accounts of the same
period. In 1294 at Framlingham, Suffolk Co., the binding with
iron of thirteen tankards cost 35., and six years later a three-
gallon iron-bound tankard is priced in Cambridge at is. At
Leatherhead a two-gallon tankard is valued at 2d. in 1338, and
two such vessels at Eltham together cost 4d. in 1364."
Yet even in the sixteenth century the word " tankard "
was not exclusively applied to a drinking-vessel, for
in 1567, in a church account, I find a notice of
"lether" tankards, which had nothing to do with
drinking-cups, for these objects were used as fire-
buckets. There is still another application of the word
to be found in a churchwarden's inventory of about the
same period (1566), in which he mentions "a penny
1 Mr. Cripps is hardly correct here, for " tankard pots " were
frequently mentioned in the Pewterers' Company's records as
early as 1480, nearly one hundred years before the time given by
him.
66 OLD PEWTER, BRASS, ETC.
tanckard of wood used as a holy- water stock." Some-
times, even in the seventeenth century, tankards appear
in the inventories of household goods among the
kitchen utensils, as " two tankards and one payle,"
and this was as late as 1625.
However, the transference of the word used to
express a water-tub, to a small vessel for holding
liquid, does not seem at all out of the way, and is so
entirely natural that the work of many learned doctors
in tracing the word from other derivations appears
most far-fetched. For example :
" Duchat and Thomas would bothe derive 'tankard ' from
'tin-quart,' and Dr. Thomas Henshaw from the twang or sound
the lid makes on shutting it down ; but after all, if tank is de-
rived, as it surely is, from the French estang, a pond or pool, it is
not necessary to go further for a derivation of the name of a
vessel which was originally intended to hold water, than to con-
nect it with tank, and derive it from the same source."
Johnson's Dictionary describes a tankard as " a large
vessel for strong drink," and cites Ben Jonson : " Hath
his tankard touched your brain ? "
Another form of drinking-vessel which I have fre-
quently found in this country is called a " noggin,"
and is often in pewter; indeed, I have never found it
in any other metal. It holds a gill, and quite a num-
ber of them may be seen in the large group depicted
in Figure 19. They look something like egg-cups.
The word " noggin " is an old one, and is said to be
derived from the Irish word noigen, or the Gaelic
noigean, and the cup has long been in use among the
peasantry in the English country districts. There
ENGLISH AND AMERICAN PEWTER 67
are some of these noggins at the Essex Institute,
Salem, Mass., where, among a large collection of pew-
ter, there are some interesting specimens. Before
leaving the group in Figure 19, which has some pieces
of early Britannia ware as well as pewter, notably the
tea-set which belonged to Sir Walter Scott, I would
call attention to the different tankards, many of them
of an early type.
Among other drinking-cups of some centuries ago
were what we should call " loving-cups," but which
were really caudle-cups, posset-cups, or posnets. They
had two handles, were often provided with covers, and
sometimes stood on trays or stands. They were some-
what pear-shaped, swelling into larger bowls at the
base, and were used for drinking posset, which was
milk curdled with wine and other additions. The
curd floated above the liquor, and, rising into the
narrow part of the cup, could be easily removed, leav-
ing the clear fluid at the bottom. Their fashion differs
slightly with their date. A fine specimen is shown in
Figure 20. It is a solid piece, and is marked on the
outside with a crown, a star, and the word "quart."
The dish with handles beside it is marked " Made in
London " and " Hard metal," though there is no
maker's mark on it. The decoration is very crude,
a sort of wriggled work, showing a boar's head in a
shield. These handles are movable, and are very
different from the ears, or stiff handles, which were
common on dishes and bowls at this time.
In Figure 21 are depicted what we in America are
apt to call porringers, though in England they are
68 OLD PEWTER, BRASS, ETC.
variously known as ear-dishes, bowls, bleeding-dishes,
or posnets, as well as porringers. They are of
extremely ancient make, and in an inventory dated
1537 they are spoken of as " counter! ettes or pod-
ingers," " iij counterfettes therwise called podingers
of pewter, whearof on is olde." These little bowls
are strongly made, generally have large ears or handles
of punched work, and are said to be of Dutch origin.
However, many of them were made in England of
varying sizes, and there were rules and regulations in
abundance with regard to their manufacture. It was
particularly forbidden to solder on the ears, but this
rule was evaded and at length disused, so that we
often find these bowls without one or both ears,
the solder having been melted out or given way to
use.
Bleeding-dishes were often made in nests, and were
marked on the inside with rings, so that the " chicur-
geon " could tell how much blood he was letting.
Those of the early years of the eighteenth century
measure about four and a half inches across ; they have
but one handle, and are by no means uncommon.
The graduated rings on the inside always proclaim
their use. When the bowl has but one handle and no
rings on its interior, it is called a taster, and reference
to these utensils may be constantly found in inventories
from the time of Queen Elizabeth down. Rarely more
than one is mentioned in the belongings of one person,
and possibly they were originally used when poisoning
was not uncommon, and the "taster" was an official
in every royal household.
ENGLISH AND AMERICAN PEWTER 69
In the inventory of Dr. Perne, Master of Peter-
house, Cambridge, England, dated 1589, there are the
following items :
" Item, a white taster xiij ouncs,
Item, a white taster with a cover, xiiij ouncs."
" White metal " was silver, but tasters \vere more com-
mon in the baser metal.
A silver bowl called " le taster " is mentioned in a
Bristol will of 1403, and in another of 1545 occurs
a " taster of silver waing by estymacion vi ounces."
Half-way between these two dates is a " taster with a
cover," included in an inventory of 1487 attached to
the will of Robert Morton, Gent, in the third year of
Henry VIFs reign. One of these tasters with a
singularly handsome handle is shown in Figure 22.
You will observe that it is slightly smaller at the top,
which is made firmer by a moulded ring. The large
dishes in this picture are chargers, and are quite similar
to the style of dishes which were used as alms-dishes
both in this country and in Great Britain. The ladle
seems too small in size for soup, and has not a long
enough handle for toddy, so no doubt it was used for
gravy, perhaps in one of those interesting " Old Blue "
dishes made about 1800 and later, which had such deep
wells in them. The deep dishes in this same figure
were almost bowls, and took the place of vegetable-
dishes.
In different places in this country I have found hot-
water dishes made of pewter, for keeping food warm.
They were almost like bowls, with a fixed dish in the
70 OLD PEWTER, BRASS, ETC.
top, and in this top or at one side was a little square
bit of the pewter which could be withdrawn, so as
to admit the water or pour it out. In Figure 23 is
shown one of these, which belonged to William, the
grandfather of Ralph Waldo Emerson. Mr. William
Emerson built the " Old Manse " at Concord, Mass.,
which was celebrated through being the home of the
Emerson family for so many years, and was further
distinguished by sheltering Nathaniel Hawthorne,
who, in an upper chamber, wrote some of those
romances which have become a part of American
classic literature. William Emerson, it is delightful
to remember, was a patriot first and then a preacher,
and no doubt was often late to his meals in those days
when at every opportunity men met and talked about
the imposition of England, and when every New Eng-
land soul was awake and preparing to strike out for
its own. How often did this dish repose on the hob
while waiting for the goodman to come home! The
coffee-urn was his too, but not the other cups, though
in those days minister and ploughman alike took his
N. E. rum more times a day than I like to set down,
and never was seen the worse for it.
The tankard which stands modestly withdrawn into
the background has quite a bit of romance connected
with it, though its appearance is prosaic enough. It
was owned originally by a retired sea-captain of
Charlestown, Mass., who gave it, filled with gold coin,
to his eldest daughter on her marriage. He also made
the request that it should be handed down to her eldest
daughter on her marriage, and so on, and that on
CHARGERS, BOWLS, LADLE AND TASTER
Collection of Mr. \\illiain J/. Hoyt
Fig. 23. COLLECTION OF PEWTER IN CONCORD, MASS.
ENGLISH AND AMERICAN PEWTER 71
every occasion it should be filled with gold coins.
Unfortunately the family fortunes were on the top of
the wave when the sea-captain's daughter was married,
and though thrice or more times it has been handed
down filled, it was with silver, not with gold, and the
last time it passed it was quite empty, save with love
and good wishes. This photograph and the history of
the pieces shown in it were obtained for me by one who
has now passed on. He was one of those kind souls
who took an infinite deal of pains to help and be of
service whenever it came in his power, and to his con-
scientious work I am indebted for many of the choice
photographs which were taken for me of china, fur-
niture, and pewter, in Concord and its neighbour-
hood.
One of the earliest and most important objects made
in pewter was the candlestick. Torches made of pine-
wood or other inflammable material, stuck in a ring
in the wall, was one means of lighting, the high-piled
fire was another, and " early to bed " was put into
practice oftener than it is now. In the Pewterers'
Company's books the first mention of a " bell Candil-
stikke " is in 1489. Several of these candlesticks are
shown in Figure 24, each one of them having its
grease-tray part way down its stem. The three to the
left belong to one collection, and are much battered
and marred, having been left as they were found many
.years ago in a moat, where they had been immersed
in water for nobody knows how many years. They
are extremely heavy, and designedly so, since it was
necessary to make them firm enough to avoid the
72 OLD PEWTER, BRASS, ETC.
danger of having them tip over. The standard weights
of candlesticks in 1612 were as follows:
Ordinarie highe candlesticks to weighe by pcare, 03 11), oo qtr.
Crete middle " 02 "
Smale " " 02 " " "
Crete new fashion " 03 "
" bell " " " 03 " " "
Lowe bell " " " 02 "
Crete Wryteinge " 01 " "
Smale Wryteinge " " " oo " 03 "
Grawnd with bawles 04 " oo '
Ordinarie highe " 03 " oo "
Smale middle " " " 02 " " "
Throughout the sixteenth and seventeenth 'centuries
the candlestick was of a somewhat dwarf pattern, con-
sisting chiefly of a socket on a short neck, mounted on
a heavy base. When, however, they began to be used
on the table, they assumed greater height, and from
about 1670 onward they grew rather taller and more
ornate. The earliest of these tall candlesticks were
copied from those used in the churches, which in turn
took their shape from the cathedral pillar. The bases
are heavy and generally dished, and somewhere on
the stem is the grease-ledge. This lasted till 1708,
when the ledge finally departed, leaving often an ele-
mentary ledge decorated with gadrooning in the
higher-class candlestick, as seen in the second one from
the left in Figure 25.
Domestic candlesticks were rarely more than nine
inches in height, the tallest one in Figure 25 being but
twelve inches. Of course those made for the guilds
or city companies were very much taller, but these
"v V
^ ++^^ 4
ENGLISH AND AMERICAN PEWTER 73
hardly interest us, since they were commonly made of
silver. The heavy candlestick fell more and more into
disuse when something was required on the dining-
table, and also on the still smaller tables which were
used for cards in the reigns of William III and Anne.
The columns became more slender, ornament was
sparingly introduced, and the pewter sticks modestly
followed the style set by those of finer metal.
There are items constantly occurring in the Pew-
terers' Books of sums paid to the " waxchaundeler "
for torches and tapers supplied by him " at the buriy-
ing of Brethern and Sustren here bifore named and
for the masse of our lady and for the makyng of the
braunch at ii times wth iiij of newe wax," etc.
But such candles and candlesticks as these were for
the prosperous middle classes, or even for those of
higher rank. The poor people could not afford either
candlesticks of such quality or the wax candles to burn
in them. They had to be content with rushlights, and
a special kind of holder came for these, specimens of
which are very rarely found now, even in the remote
cottage districts of England. I have never found one
in America. Miss Jekyll, in her " Old West Surrey,"
says that we can hardly
"realise the troubles and difficulties in the way of procuring
and maintaining artificial light for the long dark mornings and
evenings of half the year, that prevailed among cottage folk not
a hundred years ago. Till well into the third or fourth decade
of the nineteenth century many labouring families could afford
nothing better than the rushlights that they made at home, and
these, excepting the firelight, had been their one means of light-
ing for all the preceding generations."
74 OLD PEWTER, BRASS, ETC.
In the summer-time the children were sent into the
marshy ground to gather the rushes, which were then
at their full growth. The tough skin was peeled off,
leaving the pith within, which was dried, the rushes
being hung in bunches either out of doors or in the
fireplace. Then all the fat that could possibly be
spared was gathered, and melted down in grease-pans,
which were pointed at each end and stood on three
short feet among the ashes, which kept the grease
melted. Eight or ten rushes at a time were drawn
through this grease and then put aside to dry. The
rushes were grasped in iron holders which held them
upright between two jaws, and, when the light was
new and long, a bit of paper was laid on the table
to prevent the grease from spreading. Many were the
devices practised by the cottagers to make the holders
steady, the most common being to insert the holder,
which was of the nature of a bit of iron bar with jaws
at the top, into a heavy block of wood.
"Two pins crossed would put out a rushlight, and often cot-
tagers going to bed their undressing did not take long would
lay a lighted rushlight on the edge of an oak chest or chest of
drawers, leaving an inch of light over the edge. It would burn
up to the oak and then go out. The edges of old furniture are
often found burnt into shallow grooves from this practice."
The candles which it was customary to use in the
sticks shown in Figure 24 could not have been made of
a very excellent quality of grease or wax, hence the
necessity for a bracket to hold and catch it. More
modern ones are shown in Figure 25, the fluted one
coming under the head of " Queen Anne," and show-
ENGLISH AND AMERICAN PEWTER 75
ing quite plainly that it has been cast in a silver mould.
The oldest one of these is on the extreme left, and has
a small grease-tray.
All these candlesticks are more ornate and delicate,
if that word may be used in connection with pewter,
than the ordinary run of such articles generally are.
There is a certain solidity I had almost said stoli-
dity in the alloy itself, which is not compatible with
lightness, and the candlesticks of English make which
were in use in that country and found their way over
here were more like the examples given in Figure 26.
These have no marks on them, and it is not known
where they were made. They belonged to a collector
in New Jersey, and are fine, well-preserved sticks. The
photograph hardly does them justice, since it fails to
show a fine engraving in four or five places on the
stem, with milling on the three rings, and what looks
like wriggled work around the bases. Such candle-
sticks as these held the choicest wax and dipped candles
which the housewife could make. If possible she used
bayberry-wax, which was highly esteemed from New
Orleans to Canada. In 1705 Robert Beverley de-
scribed it as follows :
"A pale brittle wax of a curious green colour, which by re-
fining becomes almost transparent. Of this they make candles
which are never greasy to the touch, never melt with lying in the
hottest weather; neither does the snuff of these ever offend the
smell like that of a tallow candle, but instead of being disagree-
able if an accident puts a candle out, it yields a pleasant fra-
grancy to all that are in the room ; insomuch that nice people often
put them out on purpose to have the incense of the expiring
snuff."
76 OLD PEWTER, BRASS, ETC.
Long Island was one place where the bayberry-bushes
grew in profusion, and they grow there still. There
are one or two elderly people who make such candles
as these yet, and some are for sale, and they are
fitting objects to burn in one of these old candlesticks
of a summer evening.
By 1749 could be bought in Boston " Sperma Ceti
candles," for they were advertised in the " Boston In-
dependent Advertiser," and " Sweetness of Scent when
extinguished, as well as Dimensions of Flame/' were
extolled as some of their merits.
One of the most important things in a household
must have been its moulds for the making of candles.
These moulds were often of pewter, and there were
very definite rules as to their making, which shows that
they were esteemed worthy of careful workmanship.
We find this record :
" 1702. Thomas Greener appeared upon Sumons to this Court
to give account of what Mettle he makes Candle Moulds And
declared he made them of a mixture of Mettle something worse
than pale and that they may be better of Fine But that he has ex-
perienced that they cannot be made of Lay. Thereupon this
Court considering That the making of any new sort of Pewter
vessel or Ware of any other sort of Mettle than perfectly fine or
at the Assize of Lay may be of a very dangerous consequence
And that there is great quantities of Candle Moulds now made
of Mettle worse than Pale Though the same sorts of Moulds
were first made of fine Pewter. That from henceforth it is
ordered all Candle Moulds shall be made of Pewter perfectly
fine And that the Maker thereof shall mark every such Mould
that fie shall make with his own proper Mark or Touch."
Such moulds are to be met with from time to time in
Fig. 26. PEWTER CANDLESTICKS
Collection of Mr. A. Killyorc
Fig. 27. CANDLE-MOULDS' ' '
Collection of the late Mrs. Merchant
ENGLISH AND AMERICAN PEWTER 77
America, and are for making two, four, six, or eight
candles. Some that have seen long service are shown
in Figure 27. The process of making such candles
required skill on the part of the maker, but it was
easier, and the product was better, than when they
were dipped, which was truly back-breaking work.
But the colonists had not been living long on Ameri-
can shores before they began to utilize the fish which
swarmed in our waters, to produce oil. Francis Hig-
ginson, writing in 1630, says that though New
England has " no tallow to make candles of, yet
by abundance of fish thereof, it can afford oil for
lamps."
In that most interesting record, Josselyn's " New
England's Rarities," which was written between 1663
and 1671, I find this item with reference to oil:
" The Sperma Ceti whale differeth from the whales which yield
us Whale-bones, for the first hath great and long teeth, the other
nothing but Bones with tassels hanging from their Jaws, with
which they suck in their prey."
While this account of the appearance of the whale is
highly picturesque and is drawn largely from the
writer's imagination, what follows seems to have been
quite true.
" It is not long since a Sperma Ceti Whale or two were cast
upon the shore not far from Boston in the Massachusetts Bay,
which being cut up into small pieces and boyled in Cauldrons,
yeilded plenty of Oyl ; The Oyl put up in hogsheads, and stow'd
into Cellars for some time, candies at the bottom, it may be ore
quarter ; then the Oyl is drawn off, and the Candied stuff put into
convenient vessels, is sold for Sperma Ceti, and is right Sperma
Ceti."
78 OLD PEWTER, BRASS, ETC.
This was no doubt used for candles, but that was not
the only use to which it was applied, for he goes on to
say that " the Oyl that was drawn off candies again
and again if. well ordered, and is admirable for
Bruises and Aches."
In 1686 Governor Andros asked for a commission
for a voyage for " Sperma Coeti Whales." In 1671
Nantucket, then known as Sherburne, began her whal-
ing operations, and grew to be the greatest whaling
town in the world, and oil for burning was soon in de-
mand in all settled parts of this country. Andre
Michaux, a Frenchman who came here in 1793 and
went much about the country, wrote, on his return to
France, a book which he called " Early Western
Travels." It gives much information as to the
struggles of the western pioneers. In 1802, F. A.
Michaux, his son, continued the record, and I find that
he has this to say with reference to petroleum :
"The Seneca Indian Oil in so much repute here is Petroleum;
a liquid bitumen which oozes through fissures of the rocks and
coal in the mountains, and is found floating on the surface of the
water of several springs in this part of the country [near Pitts-
burg], whence it is skimmed off. It is very inflammable. In
these parts it is used as a medicine, in external applications."
The most primitive form of lamp was the so-called
Betty lamp, a specimen of which is shown in the chap-
ter on brass. These lamps were never made of pewter.
When the demand arose, it was not long before there
were a number of styles to be had, which are shown
in Figures 28 and 29. None of these lamps have any
Fig. 28. TEWTER LXMPS
Whipple House, Ipswich, Mass.
Fis. 20. OIL LAMP
National Museum, Washington
ENGLISH AND AMERICAN PEWTER 79
mark on them, and it is impossible to tell if they are of
foreign or domestic make. The group of five are to
be found at the Whipple House, Ipswich, Mass., and
the single one is in Washington, D. C, and is among
the articles which are said to have belonged at Mount
Vernon in the days of George Washington. All of
them are in excellent condition, and they are all less
than eight inches high. The one at the extreme left
has a thick glass magnifying arrangement, in the
nature of a bull's-eye, which throws the light upon any
object, much enlarged and brightened.
These lamps were not, however, the most primitive
for burning oil, for in Figure 30 is shown an even
more crude one. This seems but one remove from
the rushlight or Betty lamp, and was probably used
as a bedroom light. I have found them not only in
pewter, but in Britannia ware as well, showing that
their manufacture must have extended over a con-
siderable length of time.
Much more uncommon were hanging lamps of
pewter, yet such there were, and the one shown in
Figure 31 could be utilised as a hand lamp as well, as
it swung between two curved posts when not on duty
on the wall. The more I see of pewter oil lamps, the
more I am inclined to believe that many if not most
of them were made in this country, since they are very
rarely seen in either public or private collections
abroad. Not one was shown at the exhibition of old
pewter held in London about a year ago, and none
of them are marked. I do not find any pewter lamps
of any description mentioned in the lists of articles
8o OLD PEWTER, BRASS, ETC.
made by the Pewterers' Company at any time, and
if they were in use they would surely be found
there.
On the other hand it is not a difficult thing to find
in England most interesting and sometimes handsome
pewter saltcellars; and while we have some fine
examples in silver in this country, notably the one at
Harvard College, I have been obliged to go to London
for illustrations of these useful articles. Three are
given in Figure 32, all of them choice specimens, the
one to the right having a peculiar interest for us, since
it belongs to the fine collection of pewter gathered
by Mr. De Navarro, who some years ago married Miss
Mary Anderson, and whose house at Broadway, in
England, has many rare and beautiful objects.
To-day, in our domestic economy, the saltcellar
shares with the pepper-pot a position of importance
on the table. Some hundreds of years ago it held
undisputed sway, the pepper apparently being added
in the kitchen, or very rarely, in the case of " stand-
ing salts," there was a top of pierced pewter where
there was pepper. They were called " salers " before
they were known as saltcellars, and in those delight-
fully picturesque but not wholly secure days, when
poison was often used for the taking off of undesir-
ables, the saltcellar was likely to be the receptacle for
the fatal dose. Under these circumstances it is easy
to see why they were often made with covers. In
fact they were sometimes locked, or the cover could
be chained down. Later they were furnished with one
cr two arms or brackets upon which were hung nap-
Fig. 30. OIL LAMP
Collection of Mrs. David Hoyt
Fis?. 31. PEWTER GtlOUP J
Collection of Mr. W. R. Laioshe
ENGLISH AND AMERICAN PEWTER 81
kins or cloths to protect the contents from meddlers
and to keep it clean.
Standing salts are mentioned in wills by the begin-
ning of the fourteenth century, but there are none of
these very early ones to be found, even of silver. They
were not of any particular design, but were fashioned
to imitate lions, tigers, castles, dragons, elephants, or
even human figures, and it was not till the middle of
the fifteenth century that a definite shape was arrived
at, which was something like an hour-glass or the
letter X. By the sixteenth century the sides of the
saltcellar became straight, and some of the finest of
these standing salts had perforated covers for pepper.
At the end of the sixteenth century the sides became
concave, and ball feet were added, and they were
known as " bell salts."
By the time of Charles the First and the Common-
wealth, the standing salt, the position of which on the
table indicated the relative social condition of the
guests, since the nobles sat above it, and the retainers
below it, ceased to have its former consequence. The
lines of caste were less sharply drawn, sentiment was
more republican, and symbols to define the differences
between noble and commoner were no longer so rigor-
ously demanded. For this reason the stately and ele-
gant standing salt gave place to what was almost a
reversion to the first type of the X-shape, and the
cover was replaced by the napkin previously mentioned.
By 1700 the form was very simple. For some time
before this there had been a growing demand for
" trencher salts," so called, quite small in size, which
82 OLD PEWTER, BRASS, ETC.
were to be distributed among the guests. These plain
salt cellars remained in vogue during the whole eight-
eenth century, at least in pewter, though those of silver
took on varied fanciful forms which could not be
imitated in the baser metal.
The list of the possessions of the Pewterers' Com-
pany at their first Hall in 1489 is interesting', since
it was a prosperous guild and had many rooms com-
fortably furnished.
The members of the craft were called on for liberal
contributions, and the first gift was a table of " cipyrs "
(cypress) three yards bng, and a " littl bora wth iiii
fete." One " pewtrer " he must have beer- well to
do gave " two sylur sponys iche of they hauing on
the endis a postell [apostle] wroght and ouergilt."
There were also brass pots, iron spits, and one " Bel
Candilstikke," a posnet of brass, four tables to play
upon, and a new ladder.
The next year one of the "bretheren" left to the
guild by will a stone mortar and pestle, a goblet,
basin, and three salts without covers. They had a
hard time getting their windows glazed in the great
hall, for glass was not a common commodity in 1490,
and they finally effected it by having each man do his
share, such an item being frequent as, " the midell
pane of the baye windowe glassid thurgh by Willm
Welby."
Forms, stools, and trestle-boards were the main
furniture, and there were many table-cloths and nap-
rims including " A table cloth of diapre of ten yerde
long and two yerde brode of ye gifte of a peautrers
ENGLISH AND AMERICAN PEWTER 83
wif narrreles god reward hir." There were also speci-
fied, and particularly marked on the margin of the
book, a gift of eight " saltes of fyne metell wtout
coueryng weiyng six Ibs., made of such metalle as ben
crossid vpon the heed bifore in this boke."
In 1612 the weights of saltcellars were set down in
this table :
lb. qtrs.
" Great duble bells wth pep. boxes and baules the half
dozen to weighe 09. oo.
Create duble Bells plaine, ha. doz 06. oo.
Middle dubble wth bawles " " 06. oo.
Smale 03. oo.
Create single ; 06. oo.
Smale single , 02. 03.
The wrought Acorne salt 04. oo.
The greate Chapnut 01. oo.
Ye smale ye 01. oo.
Such salts as those shown in Figure 32 were made
in two or more pieces and then soldered together.
The bowl was one, and the foot the other piece. Round
ones are commoner than those with octagonal bases
and sides, since from the very nature of the alloy it
was easier to make them in this way. There is only
one set of octagonal plates and platters known, and
they are in England, and have been in the owner's
family for a hundred and fifty years, although not
in use for the last eighty.
I find by old letters and records that even by 1820
there were some old conservative families who still
used their pewter in those stately homes which even
yet line those long New England streets which we
know so well ; and while the ladies saw to it that their
S 4 OLD PEWTER, BRASS, ETC.
pewter was kept as bright as silver, the male members
clung to their ruffled shirts and brass-buttoned coats.
Inkstands were another class of small objects which
had a ready sale, and they were of different fashions,
one on a stand with a drawer beneath being shown
on the left-hand side of the group which is shown in
Figure 19. These did not wear very well, for they
were easily bent. Another style consisted of a tray
with an inkpot on it, as well as a box for sand. Far
commoner were those small round pots without lids,
of which an example is shown in Figure 31, standing
next to the little whale-oil lamp. How often have the
dried-up contents of such a pot been hastily inundated
with water when Corydon or Phyllida took their
infrequent pen in hand to answer or indite a billet
dowel
Leather boxes for shaving-materials had pewter
fittings and shaving-mug; I know of several of these,
and of one in particular which was brought over by
one of the French officers who accompanied La
Fayette when he came to our assistance in 1776. In
the soapbox is still a cake of soap, all dried up, but
yet showing the mottoes with which it was decorated.
It is needless to say that this red-leather box is trea-
sured by its owner, who is one of the descendants of
the officer who brought it to this country.
There are many references in the Pewterers' books
to articles with " bawles," which were the round feet
on which the object stood. In Figure 33 is a tray with
such " bawles," a rare and quaint specimen. Just what
its original use was is not evident, but it resembles
Fii?. 33. PEWTER GROUP
Collection of 'lira. E. P. Smillie
Fig. 34. PEWTER AND BRITANNIA TEAPOTS
Collection of J/r. Dudley Hoyt
ENGLISH AND AMERICAN PEWTER 85
somewhat the tazzi which were so popular when the
great Wedgwood potted, before 1795. The pottery
tazzi had a single foot, but the dish part was shallow
like this piece. It is in good condition, and an interest-
ing piece. Next it is a lamp upheld by three hollow
supports ; this is also of good old pewter, but the three
teapots and the pitcher come under the head of
Britannia ware, though many collectors like to include
such among their pewter articles. This group of
pewter belongs to a collector who lives in Vermont,
and who began to gather old and good things together
long before the fancy had taken so many other people.
She has a large house, and it is filled with fine old
mahogany, old glass, brass, fine china, and all sorts
of lovely things. In fact she is quite proud of the fact
that there are only two new articles of furniture in
the house, and she is careful never to reveal their
identity.
While there were such things as pewter teapots,
they were not very useful, for if they were stood
among the hot ashes (or in later years upon the
stove) they melted away. If they were even set upon
the hob they were apt to be spoiled, and in the cold
houses of a hundred or more years ago it was desir-
able to keep the victuals and drink as hot as possible.
In Figure 34 there is a group of five teapots, two
of them of pewter (and these are easily to be dis-
tinguished by their plain outlines) and three of Bri-
tannia ware, the second from the left being a shape
that was often used by Dixon & Sons for whole tea-
sets. I myself have a sugar-bowl like it, marked 1825.
86 OLD PEWTER, BRASS, ETC.
It grieves collectors very much to tell them that
such pieces, particularly if marked with the names of
either Dixon or Vickers, are not pewter. I had a letter
not long since from a collector and dealer who said
that he had handled thousands of pieces of pewter
during the last few years, and that he owned a tea-
set, marked Dixon, which was as good pewter as any
pieces which he had ever seen. But neither Dixon nor
Vickers ever made pewter; they were makers of
"white metal" pure and simple, the credit of making
pewter has been thrust upon them.
One of the commonest uses to which pewter was
put was the fashioning of church vessels, and nearly
ail churches, if not richly or royally endowed, began
with pewter communion-services, even if they did get
rid of them as soon as they could or had them silver-
plated. After the rude horns which had served for
drinking-cups had been superseded by something bet-
ter, the earthenware and glass which could be obtained
was considered too perishable ; wood had been forbid-
den; so gold, silver, and pewter remained. The cups,
chalices, patens, and alms-plates of pewter were often
enriched with engravings of Biblical scenes or mottoes.
Sometimes even the font was made of this alloy, in
which case it had to be of unusual thickness.
Perhaps it was fortunate that so many church vessels
were made of pewter, for in this way they escaped
confiscation at the dissolution of the monasteries in
1537; and after the Reformation, when communion
was the rule, it was specified that " Wine we require
to be brought to the Communion Table in a clean and
Fig. 35. CHURCH FLAGON, DATED 1753
Collection of Dr. H. Tait
ENGLISH AND AMERICAN PEWTER 87
sweet standing pot or stoup of pewter." This was
in 1603. The subject of "Church Plate" has
interested antiquarians in England during the last few
years, and in Nightengale's " Church Plate of Dorset "
the earliest flagons described are dated 1641, while
in Andrew Trollope's " Church Plate of Leicester-
shire" are mentioned flagons dated from the year
1635. The last pieces purchased which are mentioned
in this latter inventory were dated 1800.
The shapes of the flagons varied somewhat, and they
were to be found with a spout or not, more frequently
without, and in Figure 35 is shown a handsome
example dated 1735 and in excellent preservation. It
is sixteen inches high, though many of them were
only eleven to fourteen, and I have seen a flagon
designated as " great " which was but thirteen inches
tall. The types of cups were like the one in Figure 36,
which is of the shape known as " Presbyterian,"
and which is still in use in Scotland, where pewter
for church use has survived longer than anywhere
else.
The Scotch guild of Pewterers was a very important
body, and, like those of England, had very rigid rules
by which they were governed. They were not
organised as early as were their English brethren,
since it was 1496 before the hammermen became of
sufficient importance to have a " seal of cause," or
charter, granted to them in Edinburgh, which was the
most important town in Scotland at that time. But
for a century, or a little less, little pewter was made,
for its price was so great that only the wealthy could
88 OLD PEWTER, BRASS, ETC.
afford it, and they obtained what they needed from
France and England..
The rules and regulations of the Scotch guild are
much like the English ones.
" i. That no hammerman or servant presume to practise more
arts than one, to prevent damage or hurt to other trades.
"2. That no person presume to expose for sale any sort of
goods in the street at any other time than the market day.
"3. That persons best qualified of each of the crafts be em-
powered to search for and inspect the goods made, and if found
insufficient' in material and workmanship, a fine to be imposed.
"4. That all hammermen be examined by the masters and
deacons of their several crafts, and if their essays be found good
they were to be admitted freemen of the Incorporation.
"5. That no person harbour or employ the servant or ap-
prentice of another without the master's consent.
"6. That no one not of the aforesaid craft sell or vend any
sort of work made by any other craft.
" 7. That any persons guilty of breaking any of these above
articles pay eight shillings Scots."
The Scotch pewterers' craft, in common with all
others, had two masters, who looked after the interests
of their guild, saw to the admission of apprentices,
who became freemen after serving an apprenticeship
of seven years, and examined the admission-pieces
made by applicants, such as lavers, basins, and flagons,
the article changing from year to year till in 1794
a three-pound dish and a pint flagon were all that were
required, since the palmy days of pewter had passed,
and it was being crowded out by both pottery and
tinware, either of them cheaper substitutes.
The " Whiteironsmiths," as the tin-workers were
called, were at odds with the pewterers almost from
Fig.
COMMUNION CUP, "PRESBYTERIAN'
ENGLISH AND AMERICAN PEWTER 89
the beginning, and though at first they worked under
the jurisdiction of the guild of Hammermen, by 1739
they were anxious to form a guild by themselves. This
was promptly denied them by the pewterers, and the
two sets of workers hung together, always jealous of
each other, and ready to report any infringements of
each others' rights.
The matter of stamping was under the same regula-
tions as in England, and each piece was to be marked
with the makers private mark as well as with the
quality mark and the small imitation hall marks. The
maker's mark often included his name, and one of
the hall marks was generally the thistle, which has now
come to be one of the chief distinguishing marks of
Scotch pewter. Unfortunately their " touch-plates "
have entirely disappeared, if ever there were any, and
it is often difficult to tell the difference: tetween pieces-. ;
of English and Scotch make. There* a?e' ; marks of'* *
the different cities, however, but the^ ape. sjel(loj*ru*py^:\: ;;.
ent except on flagons. They are such'mar'lcs'aVthe one
of Edinburgh (which shows a triple-towered castle
standing on a rock, a tree, fish, and bird on tree) and
the bell of Glasgow.
There was a certain " Johnny Faa," a gypsy king
who was granted the title of " Lord and Count of
Little Egypt," and his dependents or followers seem
to have been travelling pewterers or tinkers, who went
about the country recasting old and broken pewter.
These men were required to have a license, and a set
of these licenses dating from 1600 to 1764, bearing
initials and dates, are now preserved in the Antiqua-
9o OLD PEWTER, BRASS, ETC.
rian Museum of Scotland. There is also a list of the
Freemen belonging to the Incorporation of Hammer-
men from 1600 to 1800, recording the dates of their
admission to the guild, the recurrence of certain names
showing how the trade descended from father to son,
and even to grandson.
The Scottish pewter, like the English, never revelled
in that wealth of ornament which was bestowed on it
by the Continental pewterers. It was simple and
dignified in outline, and susceptible of use for domestic
purposes, what decoration it had being confined to
mouldings and some slight engraving.
Perhaps the favourite of all the Scotch utensils was
the drinking-vessel which went by the curious name
of " tappit-hen " (see Figure 37), and which could
be so small that it would hold but a pint, or large
., enough .tp,,ltoM three quarts. The larger sizes were
'''reaHy'corin'he-Gr to tavern use, and they commonly had
?fha)| cuji) fastened just within the lid. These great
' Vessels' were' brought to the doors of travelling-coaches,
which were the only means of locomotion on land in
those days, and the weary and exhausted travellers,
each in his turn, might refresh and warm themselves
with the strong drink, which was piping hot when it
came from the tap-room of the inn. Sir Walter Scott
refers to these drinking-vessels in " Waverley," when
he says:
" The hostess appeared with a large pewter measure con-
taining at least three English quarts, familiarly denominated a
' tappit-hen.' "
There was another style of drinking-vessel that was
ENGLISH AND AMERICAN PEWTER 91
called a " quaich," and which was nearly identical with
the two-eared bowls which were so common in Eng-
land and Holland, and which have already been shown
(Figure 21). The chief difference lay in the handles,
the Scotch ones being solid, while those of English
or Continental make had the handles pierced in differ-
ent patterns. The size of these quaiches ran from three
to nine inches across, the former being used as a drink-
ing-cup, many of them being in use in remote parishes
till within recent years. The larger-sized ones were
porridge-bowls, and in them was served the " parritch,"
the favourite dainty of every true Scotsman.
The thrifty Scot was in the habit of saving his
pennies when he could, and for this purpose a little
money-box of earthenware was made, which was
known by the quaint name of " the Pirley Pig." One
of these boxes made of pewter (Figure 38) is called
the " most curious piece of pewter in Scotland." It
belongs to the Town Council of Dundee, and is in
shape like an orange a little flattened. It is but three
inches high and six in diameter, and on one side is an
opening through which an iron rod passes, to fasten
it in its place, so that it could not be stolen. On the
opposite side is a slit through which the money was
dropped, and this box was used to receive the fines
of those members of the Council who failed to attend
the meetings. As may be seen, it was finely decorated,
and has on it the royal arms as well as those of " Sir
James Skrimzeour, Prowest, Anno 1602, 14 May."
The history of this fine little piece of work was like
that of so many other relics, it was rescued from a
92 OLD PEWTER, BRASS, ETC.
heap of waste as lately as 1839, after being lost for
many years and having escaped the melting-pot, that
awful pit which swallowed up so much pewter.
The pewter beggars' badges were in use in Scot-
land longer than in any other country, for they were
issued as lately as the middle of the last century.
Sometimes the name of the beggar was inscribed on
the badge, sometimes the arms of the town, while in
other instances there was only a number, with the
name of the town and parish.
In the Museum of Antiquities at Edinburgh there
is a circular badge of pewter, about the size of a half-
dollar, which has on it a crowned thistle and the
initials V.R., with the date 1847, the number 28, and
the name " William Bain," following which are the
words " Pass and Repass." This was probably one
of the last of these badges which was issued.
Communion-tokens were a feature of the Scottish
Churches, both Episcopalian and Presbyterian. While
they were made of pewter they were quaint in design
and of various shapes. The first one that is on record
is spoken of in a Glasgow Sessions Record for 1593.
This one was, no doubt, lead, for pewter was by no
means common in Scotland at that date. Later, how-
ever, they were made of pewter, and by the churches
that issued them, so that no maker's mark ever
appeared on them.
The shapes were very various, I have seen them
of heart design as well as square, octagonal, .and
round. First they bore only the initial letter of the
parish to which the holder belonged ; then some small
ENGLISH AND AMERICAN PEWTER 93
ornament was added, like a star, or a tree ; and then
came a date. The use of them continued till the
middle of the nineteenth century, when the pewter
tokens were replaced by cardboard tickets.
The way in which these tokens were used seems
strange enough to us now, and was confined to Scot-
land. On a week-day, those who wished to partake
of communion presented themselves before the minis-
ter and elders and received one of these tokens, which
had to be given up on Sunday before the possessor
could obtain communion. They were given out in no
indiscriminate manner, for if sought by a person who
was known to be evil in ways of living it was denied.
This, as may be imagined, led to many hot scenes at
the distribution, so that it became general for the
minister to examine each applicant first, lest refusal
might prove necessary. These communion-tokens are
smaller than the beggars' badges, probably for con-
venience in carrying in the hand, while the badges
were worn on the outside of the coat so that they could
be easily seen.
In America the most common pieces of pewter to
be found are those for domestic use, although I know
of portions, at least, of communion-services which have
been rescued from ignominy by collectors. There are
also some sets which are retained by the parishes
which originally owned them, and which, though no
longer in use, are respectfully treated in consideration
of their one-time service. In 1729 the First Church
at Hanover, Mass., bought a set of communion-vessels
and a christening-basin, all of pewter. It still pre-
94 OLD PEWTER, BRASS, ETC.
serves them as relics. Grafton, Mass., has another
set, five pieces in all, two flagons, two patens, and a
tankard, inscribed as the gift of one of the deacons
of the church in 1742. These are also carefully pre-
served, but I know of another set, also inscribed, which
was rescued from a peddler's wagon, where it had
been thrown as " junk " in exchange for new tinware.
How late these communion-services continued to be
used among our country churches it would be hard
to say, yet in the records of the First Church of Rock-
ingham, Vt, for March 22, 1819, I find this entry
with regard to the purchase of a pewter communion-
service :
" Whereas it is very desirable, by every well-wisher to every
religious institution, that every necessary and decent provision
for the accommodation and utility of its members should be
made; and whereas we, the subscribers, understand that the
Sacramental Table, in the Congregational Meeting-house in this
town, is now and ever has been wholly unfurnished with suit-
able vessels for the decently and conveniently celebrating the
Gospel Institution of The Lord's Supper; Therefore, we, the un-
dersigned, severally engage to pay to Mr. Royal Earl the sum an-
nexed to our respective names for the sole purpose of purchasing
all necessary furniture for said Table. The said furniture, pur-
chased as aforesaid, shall be the sole property of the Congrega-
tional Church, for their public use and benefit for ever."
Then follow the names of 44 subscribers, the largest
amount given being $2.50 and the smallest 20 cents.
The total amount subscribed was $28.74, and then
comes this additional note, which reflects that credit
on the Female Society that one ever looks for in those
circumstances where something is needed to fill a gap
in the church or parish, and which has been over-
ENGLISH AND AMERICAN PEWTER 95
looked by the masculine minds which have first say,
but do not always speak to the point, though I know
it is heresy to say so !
" In addition to the foregoing, the Female Society advanced
three dollars and purchased the Baptismal Bason. Mrs. Eunice
Richards gave the Table cloth and Two Small napkins or Towels.
The whole furniture, in addition to the foregoing, consists of
two large Tankard Pots, four cups, two with handles, and two
small Platters."
Then, in a different hand, follow
"Directions for cleansing the foregoing vessels. Take a piece
of fine woollen cloth, upon this put as much sweet oil as will pre-
vent its rubbing dry; with these rub them well in every part;
then wipe them smartly with a soft dry linen rag, and then rub
them off with soft wash leather and whiting. N. B. If con-
venient, wash them in boiling water and soap, just before they
are rubbed with wash-leather and whiting. This would take off
the oil more effectually, and make the engraving look brighter."
Can you not see the Female Society planning to spend
that three dollars out of their small treasury, and then
considering all the ways of cleaning pewter, the
majority settling on the rules set down above? I
have tried to find out if this set is still in existence,
but no replies have been received to my letters, though
they were never returned.
While the use of pewter lasted long in the churches
whose members were not burdened by world's gear,
in the large cities, at least, where other wares could
be obtained, its use for domestic purposes was being
superseded. It had held its own in America for two
hundred years and over; for, from the very nature of
the material, it was good to carry in the scant baggage
brought over by the pioneers, since about the worst
96 OLD PEWTER, BRASS, -ETC.
that could happen to it was a few dents, which could
be hammered out if they were too deep or if they
threatened to injure the usefulness of the vessel.
From almost the very first there are plenty of
records of pewter. In 1647, when the widow Coyte-
more married John Winthrop, she brought to him,
from the estate of her late husband, pewter valued at
135.
In 1657 Governor William Bradford died. He left
an inventory of so much and such valuable property
that I am going to give it all, since it is often mis-
quoted and is never given entire. The family of
Governor Bradford included himself and wife and two
children. Then there were the Rogers, Latham, and
Cushman boys, who fell to the charge of Governor
Bradford on the deaths of their parents. A little later,
Mrs. Kempton, who was related to the governor, came
into the family, and she brought her four children with
her, and her husband as well, so that there were
thirteen in the family to be provided for. This inven-
tory is transcribed from the Plymouth Records, and
it is unfortunate that so many of the articles have dis-
appeared.
" Bedding and other things in ye old parlor.
Impr. One feather bed and bolster; a feather bed a feather
bolster a feather pillow ; a canvas bed with feathers and a bolster
and 2 pillows; one green rug; a paire of whit blanketts ; I whit
blankett; 2 pairs of old blanketts; 2 old coverlids; I old whit
rugg and an old kid coverlid; I paire of old curtaines darnicks
and an old paire of sach curtaines; a court cubbard ; a winescot
bedsteed and a settle; 4 lether chaires; I great lether chaire; 2
great wooden chaires ; a table and a forme and 2 stooles ; a win-
scott chist and cubbard; a case with six knives; 3 matchlock
ENGLISH AND AMERICAN PEWTER 97
musketts ; a snapchance muskett ; a birding piece and a small
piece ; a pistdl and cutlas ; a card and a plat.
In the great Rome.
2 great carved chaires ; a smale carved chaire; a table and a
forme ; 3 striped carpetts ; 10 cushions ; 3 old cushens ; a causlett
and one head peece ; i fouling peece without a locke ; 3 old barrels
of guns one paire of old bandeleers and a crest.
Linnin.
2 paire of holland sheets ; I dowlis sheet ; 2 paire of cotton and
linnen sheets ; 2 paire of hemp and cotten sheets ; 2 paire of
canvas sheets ; 2 paire of old sheets ; 4 fine shirts ; 4 other shirts ;
a dozen of cotten and linnin napkins; a dozen of canvas napkins;
a diaper tablecloth and a dozen of diaper napkins ; 10 diaper nap-
kins of another sort a diaper tablecloth ; 2 holland tablecloths ;
2 short tablecloths ; 2 old tablecloths ; a dozen of old napkins ;
halfe a dozen of napkins; 3 old napkins; a dozen of course nap-
kins and a course tablecloth; 2 fine holland cubburd clothes; 3
paire of holland pillow beers; 3 paire of dowlis pillow beers and
an old one ; 4 holland towells and a lockorumone.
Pewter.
14 pewter dishes weying 47 pound att 15 d. a pound ; 6 pewter
plates and 13 pewter platters weying thirty pounds att 15 d. a
pound; 2 pewter plates 5 sawsers 4 basons and 5 dishes weying
eighteen pounds att 15 d. a pound ; 2 py plates of pewter ; 3 cham-
ber potts; 7 porrengers; 2 quart potts and a pint pott; 2 old
flagons an a yore; a pewter candlesticke a salt and a little pew-
ter bottle; 4 Venice glasses and seaven earthen dishes; 2 ffrench
kittles.
In kitchen brasse.
i brasse kittle; 2 little ffrench kittles; an old warming pan; 2
old brasse kittles; a dash pan; 3 brasse skillets; 3 brasse candle
stickes and a brassemorter and pestle ; an old brasse skimmer and
a ladle; a paire of andirons an old brasse stewpan ; 2 old brasse
kittles ; 2 iron skillets and an iron kittle ; 2 old iron potts ; 2 iron
potts lesser; 2 paire of pot hangers and 2 paire of pott hookes;
2 paire of tongges and an old fier shouel ; one paire of andirons
98 OLD PEWTER, BRASS, ETC.
and a gridiron; a spitt and an old iron driping pan; a paire of
iron racks and an iron peele and another peec of old iron to lay
before a driping pan; 4 dozen of old trenchers; 2 juggs and 3
smale bottles.
In the new chamber his clothes.
A stuffe suite with silver buttons and a coate; a cloth cloake
faced with taffety lineed threw with baies ; a sod coullered cloth
suite; a turkey Grogorum suite and a cloake; a paire of black
britches and a kid wastcoat ; a lead coullered cloth suit with silver
buttons ; a sod coullered short coate and an old serge suite ; a
blacke cloth coate; a broad cloth coate; a light coullered stuffe
coate; an old green goune; a light collered cloth cloake; an old
violett coullered cloake ; a short coate of cloth ; 2 old dublett and a
paire of briches a short coate and an old stuffe diiblit and a wast-
coate ; 2 paire of stockens ; 2 hates a black one and a coullered
one; i great chaire and 2 wrought stooles; a carved chist; a
table ;
The Plate.
One great beer bowle ; another great beer bowle ; 2 wine cups ;
a salt; the trencher salt; and a drame cup; 4 silver spoones; 9
silver spoones.
In the Studdie.
8 paire of shoes of the 12 s. ; 6 paire of shoes of the 10 s. ; one
paire of the eights ; 3 paire of the sixes ; I paire of the fives I
paire of the 45. I paire of the 35. ; 4 yards and a half of linnen
woolcye; 3 remnants of English cotten ; 3 yards and a halfe of
bayes; 17 yards of course English moheer; 4 yards and 3 quar-
ters of purpetuanna ; 18 yards of kid penistone ; 5 yards of broad-
cloth; 2 yards of broadcloth; 2 and one half yards of olive cul-
lered carsye; a yard and a halfe of whitish carsye; 4 yards of
Gray carsye ; 5 yards and a halfe of kid carsye ; 4 yards and a
quarter of carsey ollive coullered; 7 yards of carsay sod coul-
lered; 6 yards of kid plaine; 9 yards and a halfe of kid plaine;
6 yards of holland ; a remnant of cushening ; 7 smale moose
skins; in cash 151 95. 6d. ; his deske; 2 casks with some empty
bottles; 3 or 4 old cases."
ENGLISH AND AMERICAN PEWTER 99
Then comes the list of his books, largely religious,
and of the live stock, and items of what was owing
the estate, over three hundred pounds, and the list of
the " parcells " of land.
Even at this date the estate seems a worthy
one, as indeed it had need to be to care for so many
people.
Long Island had some settlers of means, and when
Thomas Sayre died in 1669 at Southampton, he left
his son Francis real estate and " a Pewter Flagon,
a Pewter Bowl, and a great Pewter Platter." The
house of this same Thomas Sayre is still standing,
and is now the oldest house in the State.
In 1 68 1 the inventory of Nathaniel Sylvester, of
Shelter Island, was filed ; among other things he leaves
two hundred and eighty pounds of pewter valued at
14, one Turkey-wrought carpet i. ios., and one-
half Shelter Island, valued at 700.
In 1676 James Briggs, of Scituate, complained that
Constable Jenkins had taken from his house a pewter
basin without first making a legal demand for his
claim. The court ordered Jenkins to pay sixpence
damages, and costs, and to restore the basin, or to
pay seven shillings in silver as an equivalent. The
basin must have been a fine one, as at that time money
had four times its present value.
There was filed in Boston an inventory of a pew-
terer who had in his shop 2,782 pounds of pewter,
which, with the dishes and basins in stock, was valued
at 235 us. 4d. He had in addition alchemy spoons,
spooning pewter, tankards, milk-cans, warming-pans,
roo OLD PEWTER, BRASS, ETC.
kettles, skillets, frying-pans, cow-bells, and bellows,
these latter of copper and brass.
One of the most frequently made, and yet one of
the least common objects to find now, is a pewter
spoon. The reason is not far to seek, since, besides
the visiting tinker who melted down all broken pewter
and then recast it, there was hardly a village where
some family did not own a mould for re-running their
spoons. Of course they were willing to lend it to their
neighbours, and there is one town on record where
all the spoons in it were marked with the same letter,
since the family who owned the mould had on the
handle the letter " L," the initial of their last name.
The spoon is an article so venerable that for its
first mention one has to seek out Egyptian records.
A shell is supposed to have suggested its first shape.
The earliest step in its development was to mount
this shell on a handle, and it is interesting to observe
that in the Connecticut valley the early settlers inserted
a clam-shell into a cleft stick, and found that this
answered all the purposes for which spoons were made.
The second step in the history of the spoon's growth
was to fashion the whole object in one piece, it
mattered not whether it was made out of bone, wood,
or metal; while during the fanciful and elegant Re-
naissance, rare shells, glass, ivory, and agate bowls
were attached to handles of metal set with jewels or
delicately wrought of silver or gold.
The earlier the spoon, the more nearly the bowl
approaches the shape of the plover's egg, the pointed
end being toward the handle. In the very early spoons
ENGLISH AND AMERICAN PEWTER 101
the bowl was below the level of the handle, but by the
fifteenth century this difference of levels had disap-
peared. The handles in Gothic times were square-
sided, the tops terminating in an ornament like an
acorn, or a diamond knob, a lion's or a human head,
and even such whole figures as those of the Apostles,
and finally what was known as the " seal-top," on which
the initials of the owner could easily be cut. From
1550 to 1680 the seal-top spoon was the most common
pattern, although the Apostle spoon also held its own.
A complete set of these consisted of thirteen spoons,
with the Master spoon in addition to the twelve
Apostles. On many of the spoons in the last half of
the sixteenth century the figures were removed to meet
the rigid ideas of the new Protestant religion, and
later this fashion was revived by the Puritans.
Within the last few months one of these spoons in
pewter has been recovered from the bottom of the
Thames, at London. The bowl is of the plover's-egg
shape, but instead of having on the top an Apostle's fig-
ure it is ornamented with a woman's head dressed in the
fashion of the early part of the fifteenth century, when
the hair was arranged in two horns, over which was
a head-dress of gold thread and jewels. The head
of the spoon is still in good condition, a|id jtbe; spoon \J:
dates to the time of Henry V (141371422), .Three.,, .,
more examples of this kind of spoon u>e;knawn;' 6nfe*'> >
of which is in the British Museum.
The form of the spoon does not lend itself much
to decoration, and when all known devices for orna-
menting the handle had been exhausted, a novelty from
102 OLD PEWTER, BRASS, ETC.
France was introduced by Charles II about 1665, and
was eagerly welcomed. This necessitated an entire
change in the whole form of the spoon: the bowl
became an oval; the handle was made quite flat, and
the top of it was broadened out and cleft into a rude
resemblance to a hind's foot. The shape was called
in France, " pied de biche," while, for no apparent
reason, it was known in England as the " fish-tail."
The bowls of these spoons are level with the handle,
and are made strong where the handle joins the bowl,
by a continuation of the handle, which is known as a
" rat-tail."
In the beginning this rat-tail was contrived for
strength only, and was perhaps suggested by the com-
bined fork and spoon. This object had a movable
spoon-bowl which fitted into the handle of the fork,
the prongs of which folded back out of the way. The
tail was a very ornamental feature in the early spoons,
being beaded and decorated in various ways, and such
spoons continued to be made down to Queen Anne's
reign, when little by little the fish-tail on the handle
was omitted, the bowl became deeper, and the handle
was rounded forward and took the shape to which we
are accustomed. The rat-tail was first seen about 1660
gfef iseVenty or eighty years, when at length its
;was ^takqn by a simple scroll, and the bowl
'becam^poititeefas in the modern spoon.
Two spoons are shown in Figure 39. The one with
the round bowl came from Ghent and is marked H.K.
in the crown, which is above a rose. It is the finest
piece of pewter I have ever seen. It has a smoothness
Fig. 38. THE PIRLEY PIG
Fig. 39. PEWTER SPOONS
Belonging to the writer
ENGLISH AND AMERICAN PEWTER 103
to the touch, and takes a brilliancy of polish, which are
not often found. Its bowl is hammered, the handle
squared, and running down over the bowl is a heavy
rat-tail. Its period is about 1700, and it was not of
the small size which we use now, for its bowl measures
two and a half inches across, and the handle is six
inches long.
The other spoon has the exact shape as to handle
and bowl which was in use in silver about 1710, but is
of a later period than this. It has no mark except a
blurred star in the bowl, there is a large preponderance
of lead in its composition, and it is rough in every
way. It came from Kennebunkport, Me., and is
possibly eighty or one hundred years old and of
domestic make. It was probably run in a mould taken
from a silver spoon, these articles being somewhat
rare in the equipment of the colonists. Anyone who
had a silver spoon was no doubt willing to lend it for
the purpose of making a plaster mould from which
an iron or brass mould could be made, the former
metal being generally used, though there were some
of brass. I have seen both.
There were no pewter forks, for the alloy was not
stiff enough to make it available. But their lack
troubled our ancestors little; fingers and the blade of
the knife were enough for them, and the first dated
set of English silver forks were of the year 1667,
though there were single forks before this* The lack
of these utensils explains the abundance of napery
which we find in all old inventories. Observe how
much Governor Bradford had. It also explains the
io 4 OLD PEWTER, BRASS, ETC.
presence of that bowl known as the " rose-water dish,"
which in silver was choicely engraved and decorated,
while in pewter it was most often but a simple bowl,
either with or without some wriggled work or-engrav-
ing on it.
One of the great uses to which pewter was put in
America as well as England was for vessels for tavern
use. Sleeping-accommodations might be scant enough,
but there were drinking-vessels enough for the men
of the neighbourhood who gathered there, and for the
occasional traveller, and tankards, mugs, beakers, and
hot-water cans are frequently mentioned.
The " Black Horse Tavern," of Salem, Mass., was
a famous one in its day, and when William Trask,
its owner, died in 1691, he left the following property:
s. d.
Impr. A dwelling house, I barn, one orchyard and
marsh adjoyning no oo oo
Parlour. I standing bedsted & father bed &
beding 6 oo oo
I trundle bedsted, fether bed & beding 4 oo oo
I long table & forme 12 oo
I Cupbord in the Parlor, 8 chairs, I wainscot chist,
and box, warming pan I 10 oo
V/eareing apparel, i pr Irons & tongs, 12 glass
bottles, i psle flax & yarn 8 05 oo
Goods in Kitchen.
Brass & Pewter. 2 Iron potts, Prp. Iron doggs, 2 hakes pr
tongs, grid iron fryeing pan & spitt.
In the Chambers.
i old fether bed & beding, 12 yds new homemade cloth
books.
To his share in Mill.
5 acres of upland in ye north field, etc.
ENGLISH AND AMERICAN PEWTER 105
It may be seen from this how few travellers it was
expected that the innkeeper should entertain over
night, and indeed there was small profit in such busi-
ness at first, since the landlord had to give to the
selectmen the names of all such strangers as wished
for " vitals, beare and lodgen," and if their credentials
were not satisfactory they were warned from the town.
The records of the old towns, particularly of those in
New England, are bristling with rules and regulations
as to the privileges of the landlord, the prices he could
ask for his goods, and the guests he could entertain.
For he could not " knowingly harbour in house, barn,
or stable, any rogues, vagabonds, thieves, sturdy beg-
gars, masterless men or women," and those delightful
busybodies, the selectmen, decreed how much he should
charge for every meal, as well as for each cup of sack
or strong waters.
Two wills which are of peculiar interest to all
Americans are given in the following pages, as they
are valuable records of what composed the property
of the well-to-do Virginia family in the first and last
quarters of the eighteenth century. The first is that
of Mrs. Mary Hewes, the grandmother of General
George Washington, and it is dated 1721. The second
comes nearer to our greatest hero, and is the will of
his mother, an elegant old lady about whom Sparks
started many stories which have no more truth in them
than the famous " cherry-tree tale." The will of Mrs.
Washington was dated 1788, and shows what an
advance had been made in sixty-seven years in the
comfort and convenience of our dwellings and their
io6 OLD PEWTER, BRASS, ETC.
equipment. Pewter holds its own in both wills, as
may be seen, and it was still accounted a valuable asset,
since Mrs. Washington mentions it specifically and con-
siders half of what she had enough for one bequest.
The will of Mrs. Hewes leaves to her daughter, Mary
Ball, the best part of her estate, although there were
other children by another husband. There were
elegances provided for the young girl, and her edu-
cation was to be looked after, as befitted one of gentle
birth. The will can speak for itself.
" First, I give and bequeath my soul to God that gave it me,
and my body to the Earth to be buried in Decent Christian burial
at the discretion of my executors in these presents nominated.
And as touching such Worldly estate which it hath pleased
God to bestow upon me, I give, devise and dispose of in the fol-
lowing manner and form.
Imprimis, I give and devise unto my Daughter Mary Ball one
young likely negro woman to be purchased for her out of my
Estate by my Executors, and to be delivered unto her the said
Mary Ball at the age of eighteen years, but, my will is that if the
said Mary Ball should dye without Issue lawfully begotten of her
body, that the same negro woman and her increase shall return
to my loving son John Johnson, to him, his heirs and assigns
for ever.
"Item. I give and bequeath unto my said Daughter Mary
Ball one young mare and her increase which said mare I for-
merly gave her by word of mouth.
"Item. I give and bequeath unto my said daughter Mary Ball
two gold rings, the one being a large hoop and the other a stoned
ring.
"Item. I give and bequeath unto my said daughter Mary Ball
sufficient furniture for the bed her father Joseph Ball left her,
vizt; One suit of good curtains and fallens, one Rugg, one Quilt,
one pair Blanketts.
"Item. I give and bequeath unto my said daughter Mary
Ball two diaper table cluths marked M. B. with inck, and one
Fig. 40. EWKR AND BASIN
Collection of the late Mrs. Merchant
ENGLISH AND AMERICAN PEWTER 107
dozen of Diaper napkins, two towels, six plates, two pewter
dishes, two basins, one large iron pott, one Frying pan, one old
trunk.
"Item. I give and bequeath unto my said daughter Mary
Ball, one young Paceing horse together with a good silk plush
side saddle to be purchased by my Executors out of my estate.
"Item. I give and bequeath to my daughter Elizabeth Bonum
one suit of white and black callico, being part of my own wearing
apparel.
"Item. All the rest of my wearing apparel I give and be-
queath unto my said Daughter Mary Ball, and I do hereby ap-
point her to be under Tutilage and Government of Captain George
Eskridge, during her minority.
"Item. My will is I do hereby oblige my Executors to pay to
the proprietor or his agent for the securing of my said Daughter
Mary Ball her land Twelve pounds if so much be due.
" Item. All the rest of my Estate real and personal whatso-
ever and wheresoever, I give and devise unto my son John John-
son, and to his heirs lawfully begotten of his body, and for
default of said Issue, I give and bequeath the said Estate
unto my Daughter Elizabeth Bonum, her heirs and assigns
forever.
"Item. I do hereby appoint my son John Johnson and my
trusty and well beloved friend George Eskridge, Executors of
this my last will and Testament and also revoke and Disannul all
other former wills or Testaments by me heretofore made or
caused to be made either by word or writing, ratifying and con-
firming this to be my last Will and Testament and no other.
In witness whereof I have hereunto sett my hand and seal the
Day and Date at first above written.
"The mark and seal of Mary III Hewes. Sig. [Seal.]
" Signed, Sealed and Published and Declared by Mary Hewes
to be her last Will and Testament in presence of us.
"The mark of Robert X Bradley.
"The mark of Ralph X Smithhurst.
" David Straughan."
Mrs. Mary Washington [the Mary Ball mentioned
above] was a notable housekeeper and looked well
after the ways of her household. She had some hand-
io8 OLD PEWTER, BRASS, ETC.
some furniture, more silver than was usual in even
Virginia homes of that date, and when she died in
1788 her will, which was registered in the Clerk's
Office at Fredericksburg, Va., shows how much she
had to bequeath.
" In the name of God ! Amen ! I, Mary Washington of
Fredericksburg, in the County of Spotssylvania, being in good
health, but calling to mind the uncertainty of this life, and will-
ing to dispose of what remains of my Worldly Estate, do make
and publish this, my last will, recommending my soul into the
hands of my Creator, hoping for a remission of all my sins
through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ, the Saviour
of mankind ; I dispose of my worldly estate as follows :
" Imprimis. I give to my son General George Washington, all
my land in Accokeek Run, in the County of Stafford, and also
my negro boy George, to him and his heirs for ever. Also my
best bed, bedstead and Virginia cloth curtains (the same that
stands in my best bedroom), my quilted blue and white quilt and.
my best dressing glass.
" Item. I give and devise to my son Charles Washington, my
negro man Tom, to him and his assigns forever.
" Item. I give and devise to my daughter Betty Lewis, my
phaeton and my bay horse.
" Item. I give and devise to my daughter-in-law Hannah
Washington, my purple cloth cloak lined with shag.
" Item. I give and devise to my grandson, Corbin Washing-
ton, my negro wench old Bett, my riding chair, and two black
horses, to him and his assigns for ever.
" Item. I give and devise to my grandson Fielding Lewis, my
negro man Frederick, to him and his assigns for ever, also eight
silver table spoons, half of my crockery-ware, and the blue and
white tea china, with bookcase, oval table, one bedstead, one pair
sheets, one pair blankets and white cotton counterpaine, two
table cloths, six red leather chairs, half of my peuter, and one
half of my kitchen furniture.
" Item. I give and devise to my grandson Lawrence Lewis, my
negro wench Lydia, to him and his assigns forever.
" Item. I give and devise to my granddaughter Bettie Curtis,
Fig. 41. AM EH I CAN 1'EWTER PITCHER
Collection of Mr. Haiti win Cooliilye
ENGLISH AND AMERICAN PEWTER 109
my negro woman little Bett, and her further increase, to her and
her assigns forever. Also my largest looking-glass, my walnut
writing-desk and drawers, a square dining-table, one bed, bed-
stead, bolster, one pillow, one pair sheets one blanket and coun-
terpain.
" Item. I devise all my wearing apparel to be equally divided
between my granddaughters Bettie Curtis and Fannie Ball, and
Milly Washington, but should my daughter Bettie Lewis fancy
any one or two or three articles, she is to have them before di-
vision thereof.
Lastly I nominate and appoint my said son General George
Washington, executor of this my will, and as I owe few or no
debts, I direct my executor to give no security or appraise my
estate, but desire that the same may be allotted to my devises, with
as little trouble and delay as may be desiring their acceptance
there of, as all the token I now have to give them of my love
for them.
" In witness thereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal, the
20th. day of May, 1788.
Mary Washington."
In some of the inventories and records which I
have quoted, mention is made of ewers and basins, but
they do not always seem to be part of the same set.
There were such sets, however, sometimes consisting
of other objects besides the ewers and basins, and I
find that many of these sets were made in America.
It is most difficult to tell how much and what forms
of pewter were made here, since there were no regula-
tions regarding the making of it; no standard of
fineness to be kept up, as there was abroad; and any
journeyman tinker who had the tools and the moulds
could re-run it. Of course on such pieces there would
be no mark. Then the Revolution came along, and
what pewter was not absolutely demanded for daily
use was cheerfully given up and cast into the melting-
no OLD PEWTER, BRASS, ETC.
pot, to be run into bullets. The ardent patriot who
rocked the cradle went to the limit of her power to
give, and even at a pinch gave up those articles which
she had deemed indispensable, and their places were
rilled by bowls and trenchers of wood, which were
whittled out by the boys and young men, and smoothed
down by the active hands of the women, and polished
by being rubbed with broken glass and sand. " Knot
bowls " were held in much esteem in Revolutionary
times, and there were men who made a business of
making them, the persons who wished the articles gen-
erally furnishing the knots, which were preferably from
apple-wood.
In " The Collector's Manual " I have spoken of the
use to which the lead statue of George III, which stood
on Bowling Green, New York city, was put, and lead
roofs went the same way, the call for bullets always
being cheerfully responded to, even the lead plates
on tombstones being pried out and melted up. Ewers
and basins were perhaps considered among the frills
which could be easily dispensed with, since the well
always remained at hand, and there was too much
good pewter in these articles to escape. Only a few
have come down, and an ewer and basin in good order
are shown in Figure 40. The ewer held about a gallon,
and the basin was of that tiny pattern which was so
closely followed by the makers of Old Blue china.
It looks absolutely infantile in these days of generous
toilet sets. The basin in this set is a fine piece, made
according to the English rule, and well hammered,
the marks of the mallet showing plainly in the photo-
Fig. 42.
AMERICAN PEWTER. REED AND BARTON.
NINETEENTH CENTURY
EARLY
ENGLISH AND AMERICAN PEWTER in
graph. These pieces are unmarked, but there are
others scattered about the country, and generally the
ewer and basin have become separated. I find more
ewers than basins.
Many of these pieces are marked " Boardman,"
some of them " Thomas Boardman," who was a well-
known London pewterer in the latter half of the
eighteenth century. Others are marked " Boardman
and Hart, N. York." I have seen quite a number of
pieces cups, mugs, and small pitchers marked
" Boardman," or " Boardman and Co., New York."
The marks on their pieces have curious variations,
some having, besides the name, a circle about the size
of a ten-cent piece, inside of which is an eagle with
spread wings grasping a sheaf of thunderbolts. In
other cases the mark is an oval about the same size
as the one previously spoken of, and in this is an eagle
also, but with drooping wings, the most forlorn bird
that ever was seen. Why the change?
Now, Timothy Boardman & Company were dealers
in pewter and block tin at 178 Water Street, New
York, in 1824. The firm was Boardman & Hart, at
the same address, in 1828. By 1832 they had moved
to 6 Burling Slip, and they were there until 1841, at
which time the pewter was dropped from their business
and they called themselves makers of Britannia Ware.
In fact 1841 is the last year in which the trade of
pewterer appears in the New York City Directory,
and the trade gradually died out at about the same time
all over the country.
Another interesting mark is Hamlin, New York;
ii2 OLD PEWTER, BRASS, ETC.
this was prior to 1786. The touch is an eagle with
spread wings, and over the eagle thirteen stars.
In New York in 1743 appeared the following adver-
tisement :
"John Halden, braiser from London, near the old slip Market
in New York, makes and sells all sorts of copper and brass
kettles, tea kettles, coffee potts, pye pans, warming pans, and all
sorts of copper and brass ware, also sells all sorts of hard metal
and pewter wares."
The next year (1744) James Ledclel, at the "Sign
of the Platter," in Dock Street, sold pewter. In the
end of this same year he moved to the end of Wall
Street.
Robert Boyle, in 1745, called his shop the " Sign of
the Gilt Dish," he had his shop in Dock Street too,
William Bradford had his shop in Hanover Square.
In the first New York Directory, published in the
year 1786, and which is about the size of an "Old
Farmer's Almanac," the names of Francis Bassett,
218 Queen Street; Henry Will, 3 Water Street, and
William Kirkby, 23 Dock Street, are the only ones of
pewterers. In 1794 the trade of pewterer was for the
first time combined with that of plumber, and Malcolm
M'Ewen & Son, corner of Water Street and Beekman
Slip, was the first firm to advertise it. William
Kirkby, who was mentioned as one of the three pew-
terers who were put down in the first Directory, adver-
tised in the " Mercury " that he would take old pew-
ter or beeswax in exchange for new pewter or hard
metal.
Among the early New England names of men who
Fi" 43. AMERICAN PEWTER. REED AND BARTON.
NINETEENTH CENTURY
EARLY
ENGLISH AND AMERICAN PEWTER 113
carried on the trade of pewterers were those of Rich-
ard Graves, who established himself in Salem, Mass.,
and Henry Shrimpton, of Boston, was a well-known
pewter merchant.
Figure 41 is a piece of American pewter made by
Romans & Co., Cincinnati. It is a pitcher seven and
a half inches high, of a good grade of pewter and of
good form, somewhat in the style of the old tankards,
though the cover has a rising top, which is never seen
on very early specimens; but it is interesting as being
one of the rarely found American marked specimens.
In the early part of the nineteenth century there
were silversmiths who practised the art of pewter-
making as well. Reed & Barton, of New York, was
such a firm, and they made much good ware of all the
useful articles, small pitchers, mugs, mustard-pots,
etc. It is interesting to learn that this firm is reviving
the making of pewter, using their old moulds for the
purpose.
In England the manufacture of pewter has never
whollv died, but it is confined to a few firms, one of the
largest being Brown & Englefield, of London. Its
ware embraces many kinds of moulds for jellies, jugs
for hot water, pepper-pots, and plates.
I am frequently asked the prices of old pewter plates
and dishes. It is hard to give any definite figures, for
under the excitement of the auction-room larger prices
are often given than can be commanded at private
sale. Plates in good condition, 8, 9, 10, or n inches
in diameter, should bring from $1.25 to $2.50 each.
Larger-sized round plates and trenchers, 12, 14, or
ii4 OLD PEWTER, BRASS, ETC.
1 6 inches in diameter, are worth from $3 to $6 apiece,
while those measuring 20 inches and more are worth
from $6 to $10. Embossed, and engraved, or wrig-
gled-work pieces are worth considerably more.
Museums, as a rule, do not have their pewter
cleaned, and this example is followed by most English
collectors. If, however, you prefer yours bright, and
you have found it in a bad condition, a good plan is to
soak it in hot water in which a small quantity of pot-
ash (a piece as large as a hickory-nut to a quart of
water) has been perfectly dissolved. The pewter can
remain in the water a day or two without injury.
Then rub the pieces very carefully with a cork dipped
in oil and a little of the finest sand, and polish with
a chamois-skin and whitening. Personally I do not
indorse the use of the sand, but it is often employed.
You can keep your pewter bright by washing it
frequently in hot soap and water, and rubbing with
whitening. This, of course, is after you have once got
it polished up.
r
^^^^^^^^^^^i^^^^^j^^^^^^^^
Fig. 44. GENERAL WASHINGTON'S STRONG, KOX, MESS- >>> ,
CHEST WITH PEWTER UTENSILS AND BELLOWS , ,
National Museum, Washington, D. ./ ', '
PART III
BRASS WARE
PART III
BRASS WARE
IT is not easy to decide just when the first use of brass,
as we understand the term, began, or where. We read
that a " brazen " bull was cast by Perillus, of Athens,
for Phalaris, of Agrigentum, in 570 B.C. It was made
hollow, to receive victims who were to be roasted,
and the throat was so contrived as to make their
groans seem like the bellowings of the animal. The
artist was made its first victim (possibly so that he
should not make such another work of art), and
eventually the king himself was obliged to try it in
his own person ! This was in 549 B.C.
The term " brass " is frequently employed in the
Scriptures from the time of Job down, yet there is
nothing to indicate that it was the alloy with which we
are familiar in modern times. In fact it seems that
the first makers of brass as we know it were the
Romans, for they made and used a compound which
they called auricalchum, which seems to have possessed
the properties of what we call brass. It was through
the conquests of this people that its use and the
knowledge of its composition was extended through
Europe.
The earliest traces of its use in England are those
117
ii8 OLD PEWTER, BRASS, ETC.
quaint mediaeval monuments called " brasses," which
are found over the tombs of civil and ecclesiastical
dignitaries. These brasses, though none are repre-
sented in this book, are worthy a note just here, since
they are the earliest form of brass extant. The oldest
specimens date back to the first half of the thirteenth
century, when they gradually displaced the tombs and
effigies carved in stone, which had made such con-
spicuous features in the churches up to that time.
The brasses were of Latten, or hard brass, and were
frequently set into the pavement of the churches, thus
taking up no room, and for that reason becoming very
popular.
Although the value of the metal contributed to the
wholesale destruction of these brasses, very many
specimens are still found in England, and they were
at one time common in France, Flanders, and Ger-
many. The Reign of Terror in France swept away
the brasses as it did so many other valuable objects,
but in Germany there may still be found instances
which go back to the thirteenth century, such as that
>f the Bishop of Verdun (1231).
: In England the best known of the thirteenth-century
brasses is that of Sir Roger de Trumpington (1290),
who went to Palestine with Prince Edward (after-
ward Edward I). He is represented as cross-legged,
showing, so the theory is, that he had been to the
Holy Land. Six or seven more such instances are
known. Fourteenth-century brasses are more com-
mon, and in the sixteenth century the representations
became portraits.
. 45. ENGLISH BRASS
ASS KNOCKER Fig. 46. AMERICAN, BRASS KNOCK EH
BRASSWARE 119
Brasses cut in Flanders are by no means common in
England, though they do occur, and they can be easily
distinguished from those of English workmanship.
The Flemish brasses had the figures engraved in the
centre of a large plate, the background being filled in
with a scroll or diapered work. The English figures,
on the other hand, were cut in outline, and set into
a corresponding depression in the stone. A few
Flemish-made cut brasses are known, but their work
was more florid in design, the lines were shallower,
and they were cut with a chisel-pointed tool instead
of a burin.
There is a certain class of brasses known as
" palimpsests," old brasses which have been taken
out of their original settings, re-engraved on the back,
and made to do duty for a second person. Thus a
brass commemorative of Margaret Bulstrode (1540),
on being removed from its position, was discovered
to have been made originally for Thomas Totyngton,
abbot of St. Edmund's Bury, in 1312. The abbey was
surrendered to Henry VIII in 1539, so within the year
the work of spoliation had begun, and the abbot's brass
had been done over to serve for Mistress Bulstrode.
One reason for the wholesale stealing of these old
brasses, and their re-erection when newly engraved
on the back, was on account of the difficulty of getting
sheet brass in England. All that was used prior to
1650 was of Continental make.
To preserve the remainder of these interesting and
valuable records, from which many a family record
has been perfected, several societies have grown up
120 OLD PEWTER, BRASS, ETC.
in Great Britain, the most active being that of the city
of Cambridge, which boasts a large membership.
There are on record over 4,000 of these brasses in
churches and cathedrals, and it is expected that soon all
that remain will be recorded and kept in repair. There
are many antiquarians who make collections of rub-
bings from the brasses, as the inscriptions are univer-
sally quaint, -and this is the only way that a proof, so
to speak, can be obtained, so that the engraving of the
devices and lettering shows up.
There is one of these brasses at the church at Strat-
ford-on-Avon, to view which so many Americans re-
pair, and the wording on it has been copied many times,
although in places it is much worn away by the feet
of pilgrims to that shrine. It runs thus:
"GOOD FREND FOR IESVS SAKE FORBEARS,
TO DIGG THE DVST ENCLOASED HEARE I
BLESE BE YE MAN YT SPARES THES STONES,
AND CVRST BE HE YT MOVES MY BONES/'
Underneath it lies the tomb of William Shakespeare.
Although the metal of which many of the brasses
were made came from Germany, which country was
famous for her production of brass during the Middle
Ages, it was made in England in increasing quantities.
During the reign of Henry VIII, an act of Parliament
was passed, prohibiting the export of brass, showing
that not enough was made for home consumption. A
curious detail of this enactment is that it was not re-
pealed till so lately as 1799. During the reign of
Queen Elizabeth the manufacture of brass was much
Fig. 47. FIREPLACE AND FENDER
Langdon House, Portsmouth House, N. H.
Fig. 48. FIREPLACE AND ANDIRONS. ENGLAND, COLONIAL
HOUSE
BRASSWARE 121
developed and encouraged, and a patent for the work-
ing of calamine stone was granted by the Queen to
William Humfrey and Christopher Schutz, securing
to them the exclusive right to manufacture brass. The
patent rights issued to these men was gradually ex-
tended, and finally became vested in a company called
" The Governors, Assistants, and Societies of the City
of London of and for the Mineral and Battery
Works," a long and far from clear designation.
This company, however, continued to exercise its
functions down to the year 1710, when it was
dissolved.
During the Middle Ages the ordinary domestic pin,
which has long been an article of feminine economy,
was made of brass. In the fifteenth century it had be-
come of so much importance as an article of com-
merce in England, that in 1483 the importation of pins
was forbidden by statute. Only the best pins were
made of brass, for there were inferior ones made of
iron wire blanched, and it was against these that the
enactment was directed. By 1636 the Pinmakers of
London formed a corporation, and the manufacture
was subsequently removed to Bristol and Birming-
ham, the latter town becoming the principal centre for
the industry. Brass works or foundries had been
started in Bristol in 1702, and by a man named Turner,
in Birmingham, about 1740.
The early settlers in America were dependent on
London for their pins and needles, and there are few
lists sent over by them which did not include an order
122 OLD PEWTER, BRASS, ETC.
for one or the other of these articles. They were not
sold as now, by the paper, but by the hundred.
In 1761 Colonel George Washington sent to London
for some articles for his own wardrobe, and for those
of Mrs. Washington and Nelly Custis. Mrs. Wash-
ington's order was for
-" a salmon-coloured tabby velvet with satin flowers ; ruffles
of Brussels lace or point, to cost twenty pounds; fine silk
hose, white and black satin shoes ; six pairs of mitts ; six pairs
of best kid gloves; one dozen of most fashfonable handkerchiefs;
one dozen knots and breast-knots; real minikin [very small]
pins and hair pins ; a puckered petticoat, six pounds of perfumed
powder ; handsome breast flowers ; and some sugar candy."
In the same order were enumerated these articles for
" Miss Custis, aged six."
" A coat of fashionable silk with bib-apron, ruffles and lace
tucker; four fashionable dresses of long lawn; fine cambric
frocks ; a satin capuchin hat and neckatees ; satin shoes and white
kid gloves ; silver shoe buckles, sleeve buttons, aigrettes and six
thousand pins, large, short and minikin; a fashionable doll to
cost a guinea; gingerbread; toys, comfits and sugar images."
One would think that the gingerbread would have
been a trifle stale when it reached Mount Vernon !
So necessary were pins that it was not long before
the colonists appreciated the benefit to accrue to them
by their manufacture, and the people of the Carolinas
were stimulated by the offers of prizes for the first-
made pins and needles. This was by 1775. At a
later day than this several pin-making machines were
invented in the United States, and during the war of
1812 the price of pins rose to such an extent that the
manufacture was actually started, but it was not par-
Fig. 40. BRASS FI UK-SET
Collection of Mr. Lattiinore
Fig. 50. OLD BRASS ANDIRONS
From the Collection of A. Killgorc, Esq.
BRASS WARE 123
ticularly successful until 1836. By 1824, however,
Mr. Lemuel Wright, of Massachusetts, had patented
a pin-making machine in England, which established
the industry on its present basis.
Various processes are employed in the making of
brass. It may be cast, rolled in sheets, or drawn into
wire. It was not until 1781 that James Emerson
patented the direct production of brass from copper
and zinc, and his method gradually displaced the old
or calamine process. Some of the most important
factors in the development of the brass trade have been
the introduction of rolling-mills in the early part of the
last century, and the application of stamp and die in
1769.
All brass is now made by melting together copper
and zinc, but the term " cast brass " is applied when the
article receives its form from a mould, and is not after-
ward rolled, drawn, hammered, or spun. For this
purpose the charge is melted in small furnaces heated
by coke. The moulds for the casting of brass are com-
monly of sand, and when the cast object is still warm
it is dipped into water, which detaches most of the
sand, and it is then dressed, ground, and burnished.
The proportion of copper in brass varies from 66 to
75 per cent. In the latter proportion is made the best
English brass.
For sheet brass the metal is first cast in bars, or what
are known as " strips," and these strips are pressed cold
through rollers. When they are sufficiently thin, to
prevent cracking, the metal is annealed at a red heat,
and the surface is cleaned of oxide by immersion in
124 OLD PEWTER, BRASS, ETC.
diluted sulphuric acid. These processes are repeated
until the sheet is of proper size and thickness.
" Red metal " and " Prince's metal " are two varie-
ties, the former being used in the button trade. Bir-
mingham, England, originally famous for its iron
work, acquired a reputation for brass buttons. Gold
lace had long been conspicuous for ornamenting
riding-dresses, and, as it grew old-fashioned, its place
was taken by brass buttons. The eighteenth and the
first part of the nineteenth centuries may be called
" the brass-button era." What steel has been to
Sheffield and cotton to Manchester, has brass been to
Birmingham, and brass-founding and brass-making
are among its peculiar industries.
Of all English centres of industry, Birmingham is
perhaps the most remarkable for the variety of its
products. In fact its boast is that it is never badly
off, since it has so many strings to its bow. Nothing
is too hot or too heavy, too minute or too great, for
Birmingham to attempt, and among the multitudinous
objects manufactured there are heathen gods, um-
brellas, matches and stained-glass windows, sewing-
machines, brass beds, teapots and guns, roasting-jacks
and swords, needles and buttons, fish-hooks and rail-
road cars.
Many of the good brass articles found in this coun-
try originated in Birmingham, and it is a pity that the
workers in brass did not follow the example of the
pewterers, and stamp their ware. Only a very few
pieces are known which are marked in any way, and
one of them is a very ornamental door-lock of fine
Fig. 51. BRASS AND TOPPER BRAZIER
From the Collection of Mr. George BrotUn<i<i
Fig. 52. SPANISH BRASERO
From tlie Collection of Mrs. Charles P. Barry
BRASS WARE 125
workmanship. It is now to be seen in the South
Kensington Museum, and has scratched upon it,
" Richard Bickford, Londini, fecit 1675." But cen-
turies before this knockers were made of brass, as
times grew more peaceful, and the coming guest no
longer wound his horn or rapped with his sword to
announce his arrival. The most famous of the an-
cient knockers which now remain in England is at
Oxford, and has quite a long and unusual history.
Brasenose College, Oxford, was so called on ac-
count of this knocker, which was on the outer door
of Brasenose Hall. In 1334 the Oxford students mi-
grated to the town of Stamford, owing to a riotous
feud, and took with them their knocker, which was a
brass head, and was the emblem of their college so-
ciety. At the Lincolnshire town they built a new
Brasenose Hall, and fastened thereon the nose of
brass. After a time the breach was healed, and the
students returned to Oxford, the building they had used
passing into the hands of the corporation of Stamford,
In 1688 the building was torn down, save only the an-
cient doorway. A house was built on the site, which
went into private hands, together with the doorway,
door, and knocker. At a recent sale of this property
(1890) Brasenose College became the purchaser, and
has recovered and restored to Oxford, after a lapse
of five and a half centuries, the knocker wrenched
off by the departing students of the fourteenth
century.
This knocker, or " nose " is in the form of a lion's
head with an iron ring through the mouth. The brows
126 OLD PEWTER, BRASS, ETC.
of the lion are very prominent, and the teeth are
rudely engraved, though the head is well modelled.
The nose is by no means so prominent as to justify
the name. This pattern has long been a favourite one
in England, and in Figure 45 is given a good example
of it. This is an old knocker, and for many years was
both ornamental and useful on a hospitable door in
New England. By the last quarter of the eighteenth
century the eagle began to be more esteemed among us
than the lion, even though he was the king of beasts,
and some brass-worker a sturdy American patriot,
let us hope devised for Colonial doorways a bird
with fierce aspect and spread wings. One of these is
shown in Figure 46. It is many years old, and, like
the lion, served in New England, for many a long year,
to announce the coming guest.
Once within the house, two important necessities
were heat and light. The former was supplied largely
by great fireplaces, and in many of these were to be
found brass fenders, fire-dogs, and fire-tongs, shovels,
etc. These were often very handsome and quite costly
affairs, and most of them were brought from England,
at least in the early days. The brass fenders are not
often found now, but one is shown in Figure 47, which
is in a room in the old Langdon House, at Portsmouth,
New Hampshire. In passing I would call attention
to the superb carving of the over-mantel, of the mantel
itself, and all about the room. This famous old house
was built by John Langdon in 1784. He was an ear-
nest and devoted patriot, and was five times chosen
governor of New Hampshire. He made a famous
Fig. 53. KITCHEN OF THE WHIFFLE HOUSE AT IPSWICH,
MASS.
Fi<T 54 BRASS CANDLESTICKS Fig. 55. BRASS ^CANDLESTICKS
RUSSIAN
RUSSIAN
BRASSWARE 127
speech in 1777, which shows of what stuff these
American gentlemen were made. He said:
"I have a thousand dollars in hard money; I will pledge my
plate for three thousand more; I have seventy hogsheads of
Tobago rum, which will be sold for the most that they will
bring. They are at the service of the State. If we succeed in
defending our homes and firesides, I may be remunerated; if we
do not, then the property will be of no value to me."
Before this very handsome fireplace General Washing-
ton has stood when he visited Portsmouth in 1789, and
he has recorded it as the handsomest house in the
town. Louis Philippe and his brothers were enter-
tained here, and so was President Monroe. They
nearly all leave records of the beauty and elegance of
the mansion, and one of the guests, the Marquis de
Chastellux, wrote in 1782,
After dinner we went to drink tea with Mr. Langdon. He is
a handsome man and of noble carriage. His house is elegant
and well furnished, and the apartments well wainscotted."
Indeed in these old houses the fireplace was the centre
of the home, so to speak, for in many of the Colonial
houses the rooms were large and stately, and to keep
the blood from almost congealing, it was necessary to
gather pretty closely to the fire. As befitted its impor-
tance, the fireplace was handsomely wainscotted, and in
Figure 48 there is a type of woodwork surrounding
the generous hearth which is earlier than that shown in
Figure 47. In it is a pair of nice old fire-dogs,
" rights and lefts " they were called when they had a
curve back of the brass dog, and about where the iron
128 OLD PEWTER, BRASS, ETC.
foot joined on. When half-grown trees, sawed into
logs three or four feet long, were piled up in such a
fireplace as this, you can imagine that a great heat was
sent out into the room. The fire demanded much at-
tention, and for this purpose handsome fire-sets were
both made here and imported. Such a set is shown in
Figure 49, though this one is more ornamental than is
common. In humble homes the housewife was satis-
fied if she had a curved arm screwed into the wood-
work of the mantel, and in this rested the shovel and
tongs. Often a piece of marble scored in squares
stood neatly in the corner of the hearth, and the fire-
irons were set into the scores to keep them from slip-
ping. I have seen several ornamental sets like the one
in Figure 49, and one or two which were made in this
country and had the foot and upright made of iron or
steel instead of brass. This one came from an old
manor house in England, where it had been in use for
scores of years. The openwork shovel was to take
up hot coals for putting into warming-pans or braziers,
or for the necessary foot-warmer to be used on Sun-
day.
I have said that some of these articles were made in
this country, but just how early brass was made here
it would be hard to say. Probably in a small way it
was commenced early, for braziers were among the
early comers. During the first anxious days in 1620,
when the able-bodied men were exploring the coast of
Plymouth harbour near where the " Mayflower " lay
at anchor, in order to choose a good place for the settle-
ment, they had a sharp encounter with the Nauset
Fig. 56. BRASS CANDLESTICK, RUSSIAN
From the Collection of Mrs. Charles P. Barry
Fig. 57. BRASS UTENSILS
From the Collection of Mr. Wilford R. LawsUe
BRASSWARE 129
Indians. After the victory, when the Pilgrims came
together again, they picked up eighteen arrows. Some
of these were tipped with brass, some with deer-horn,
and some with the claws of eagles. It is now sup-
posed that this brass came from the wreck of a French
vessel in 1616, for these first foes of the Pilgrims were
the Nausets, the only tribe between Chatham and
Provincetown.
During the next century many braziers came from
England and settled in various parts of the country.
The first New York directory, published in 1786, gives
the names of James Kip, Brass Founder, 59 Broadway,
and Abram Montayne, at 13 King Street. The iron-
mongers and tinplaters, no doubt, also sold brass ware,
and brass hinges and handles were sold to the furni-
ture-makers before we made them here.
Various brass works were established in different
parts of the country, and the Michauds, father and son,
who travelled here extensively from 1793-1796, and
again in 1802, tell in their " Early Western Travels,"
of finding in the southwestern part of Pennsylvania,
" about two miles from Liberty Town, Probes' Fur-
nace, a foundry established by a Frenchman from
Alsace." He made all kinds of brass vessels, and also
worked in copper. The largest brass kettles he made
were capable of holding about 200 pints. These were
sent to Kentucky and " Tennessea," where they were
used in the preparation of salt by evaporation. The
smaller-sized kettles were for household use. The son,
Francois, states also, that for the most part the inhabi-
tants of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, are "armourers,
130 OLD PEWTER, BRASS, ETC.
hatters, saddlers, and coopers, the armourers of Lan-
caster having long been celebrated for their manufac-
ture of rifle-barrelled guns."
In Colonial accoutrements much brass was used,
many eagles being cut from sheet brass and put on
belts and haversacks. I have in mind now two such
eagles, of different sizes, which have been brought
from seclusion by a " Colonial Dame," and mounted
on two small panels on her staircase. Michaud the
younger also says :
" At Springfield, or near it, is Mays-lick, where there is a salt-
mine. For evaporation, they make use of brazen pots contain-
ing about 200 pints and similar in form to those used in France
for making lye. They put ten or twelve in a row in a pit four
feet deep, and at the ends throw in billets of wood and kindle
a fire. These sort of kilns consume great amounts of wood."
In Figure 50 are shown several styles of old and-
irons, all of which are reproduced for use to-day. The
wedding outfit of Judith Sewall, daughter of Judge
Samuel Sewall, who kept the voluminous diary which
is such a mine of wealth as to customs and manners in
New England during the last part of the seventeenth
and first part of the eighteenth centuries, is often
quoted as showing what was demanded as necessary
by a well-to-do bride of that period. The list of her
brass ware is given in full, with the prices which it
was deemed proper to pay for it, and I give it here so as
to show what an important part this metal played in
domestic utensils two hundred years ago. After
specifying the furniture for a " chamber," the list pro-
ceeds :
Fig.
58. BRASS COOKING-UTENSILS AND CANDLESTICKS
In Dccrfield Memorial Hall
Pis:. r>n. BRASS CANDLESTICK AND LAMPS
From the Collections of Mr. flcort/c Brodliead and Mrs. E. Wetmore
BRASS WARE 131
One bell-metal Skillet of 2 quarts, one ditto one Quart.
One good large warming-pan and cover fit for an iron handle.
4 Pair of strong Iron Dogs with brass heads about five or six
shillings a pair.
A Brass Hearth for a chamber with Dogs, Shovels, Tongs, and
Fender of the Newest Fashion (the fire is to ly on Iron.)
A strong Brass Mortar That will hold about a Quart with a
Pestle.
Two pair of large Brass sliding Candlesticks about four
shillings a Pair.
Two pair of large Brass Candlesticks not sliding of the Newest
Fashion about five or six shillings a Pair.
Four Brass snuffers with stands.
Six small Brass Chafing-dishes about four shillings apiece.
One Brass basting Ladle; one larger Brass Ladle.
One Pair Chamber Bellows with Brass noses.
One small hair broom sutable to the Bellows.
Before the days of fireplaces and chimneys (the latter
were not in use till about the middle of the fourteenth
century), hot coals were carried about from room to
room, and placed in metal pans near at hand, so that
the occupants might find the chill a little mitigated.
Such receptacles were made of brass or copper, and
remained in use for some hundreds of years. Fashions
and comforts spread slowly in those days, and what
had long been obsolete in London might have become
the " proper thing " in the country districts. Some-
times these receptacles for hot coals had little holes in
them ; in other cases the metal itself, becoming heated,
gave out warmth in that way. Such a warmer is seen
in Figure 51, and a very aristocratic one it is, with the
lower half of brass with copper ornaments rivetted on,
and the upper half copper with brass ornaments on it.
The bail is of iron. It is a splendid piece, all beaten
132 OLD PEWTER, BRASS, ETC.
work, the rivets showing quite plainly even in the
photograph. It has a copper bottom and stands bn
three brass feet. The lion would seem to reveal its
English origin, though it was bought from a Russian
Jew who had brought it from his own country. It
shows evidence of much use, and the inside is scarred
and scorched with the coals which have been put in it.
Under the general heading of " heat " it may be well
to notice the various styles of braziers which were also
in common use. These braziers were open pans for
burning wood or charcoal. The old Roman brazier
was a bronze tripod with a round dish above the fire,
and a vase below for perfumes. It occupied the
atrium, and represented the abode of hospitality and
sanctuary, even after the process of cooking had been
banished to another apartment. The smoke was of
course unpleasant, and in order to prevent this the
bark was peeled from wood, the wood long soaked in
water, then dried, and anointed with oil. The Greeks
sought to mitigate the " smoke nuisance " by burn-
ing costly and perfumed gums, and spices, and scented
woods.
In Figure 52 is an antique Spanish brasero, with
solid and heavy handles by which to carry it, and
around the rim is an engraved border. The legs are
rivetted on, and each terminates in a small foot. On
either hand are brass vessels, the one with the foot for
serving, and the bowl for either cooking or serving.
The Japanese warming-apparatus is similar to the
Spanish brasero, and is used with a handful of coals,
but it is so inefficient that in midwinter, particularly
Fig. GO. PAIR OF BRASS LAMPS
From the Collection of Mr. William M. Hoyt
Fig. 61. TALL BRASS LAMP
From the Collection of Mr. William M. Hoyt
BRASS WARE 133
in the northern part of the kingdom, the people depend
principally on their clothes for warmth, piling on gown
after gown, and then topping these with splendid furs.
In Judith Sewall's brass ware were mentioned ladles
of various sizes, to be used in cooking, and in Figure
53 quite a collection of these utensils are shown hang-
ing in the kitchen of the Whipple House at Ipswich,
Mass., in company with many other articles, the uses
of which have been rendered obsolete by the introduc-
tion of modern methods. In the fireplace, tradition
says, a calf could be roasted whole, and when you see
the extent of its dusky recesses, you can well believe
the tale.
When we consider the insufficient and wholly inade-
quate methods of obtaining light, we are surprised
that our ancestors had any eyes at all. William Wood,
in his "New England's Prospect" (1634), says:
" Out of the Pines is gotten candlewood that is so much spoke
of, which may serve as a shift among poore folks, but I cannot
commend it for Singular good because it is something sluttish,
dropping a pitchy kind of substance where it stands."
But this was very early in the country's history, by
1635 tne Y were better off for lights.
Candlesticks of many types and from many coun-
tries, both for religious and secular uses, are shown
in Figures 54, 55, 56, and 57, all of them being of
brass. A number of them are of Jewish origin, for
the Jews have always been celebrated for their skill in
metal work. In Bible days at Tyre and Sidon " they
traded in vessels of brass in thy market." The large
branched candlestick in Figure 55 is for religious use,
134 OLD PEWTER, BRASS, ETC.
as are the three in Figure 56, the low one on the right
hand having places for candles for each day in the
week, while the one on the left with the two birds is a
Chinese stick, for use in a temple. While it is true
that the ordinary so-called " Chinese curio " often has
had no real connection with the Flowery Kingdom,
once in a while a real export from the land of rice and
Boxers appears to delight the soul of the collector.
A Chinese brass lock came to hand the other day,
hand-made, of course, and fashioned to fasten to-
gether two staples in the manner of a padlock. With
it went two keys, one to lock it by pushing back a
spring inside, the other to release the spring. This
latter was a most elaborate affair, notched and split
in intricate ways, intended no doubt to foil the cupid-
ity of the cleverest of Celestial burglars. The Chinese
love to make many of their curious ornaments just
verging on the grotesque, like this candlestick. The
one next to the Chinese stick is Portuguese, this nation
also excelling in metal work at an early period, al-
though they devoted themselves chiefly to silverware.
More common types of candlesticks are seen in
Figure 57, the little ones being for bedroom use, while
the tall one would grace the dining-table, or help to
light the card-table when neighbours dropped in for
a social game. The strange-looking object on the
right hand of the picture is a spoon-mould, and in it
were run many dozens of pewter spoons, like one of
those shown in Part I. Behind the mould is a brass
dipper, and in the rear is a long-handled spoon for use
in a big pot. The smoothing-iron is of brass, and has
Fisr. 62. GIRANDOLES
Collection of Mr. William J/. Hoyt
BRASS WARE 135
a small drawer which pulls out, and was filled with hot
coals when in use. The graceful goblet is not a com-
mon article, although more vessels were made of this
metal than we would deem pleasant or sanitary now.
Various forms of candlesticks are to be noted in
Figure 58, the one with the little knob on the stem
being one of the " sliding candlesticks " which Judith
Sewall desired. The lamp is also a good article, and
is intended either to be carried in the hand, or to be
hung on the wall by means of the ring which is visible
on its edge opposite the handle. There were brass
lamps and pewter ones as well which were made at an
early period for burning camphine, a volatile and in-
flammable form of spirits of turpentine, obtained from
the pine-trees which were so abundant in the Southern
States. It burned with a very white light, and, even
though dangerous, was much used.
A brass snuffers and tray for use with candles is
also shown in this illustration, as well as some skillets
with the tripods on which they stood among the ashes,
in order to get the necessary heat for cooking. Fry-
ing-pans also were often of this metal, and one with a
wooden handle is seen in the background. It was one
of the housekeeper's most cherished ornaments of the
kitchen, as it hung on the wall polished to a mirror-
like brightness.
Brass articles, whatever their use, were hard to pro-
cure, and were expected to last long and be handed
down from one generation to another. It is almost
pathetic to see how scant the household goods were.
Things that we would not think worthy of mention
136 OLD PEWTER, BRASS, ETC.
were specified with the greatest particularity in in-
ventories and wills.
One Edward Thatcher, of Pirton, England, died
May 10, 1595. He left what was considered a large
estate, and among the articles enumerated are, " to my
grandson one fallowe Cowe and best bed and one
greate Brasse Candlesticke." To another grandson
he leaves " one browne Cowe short horned Coverlett
and a paire of sheets next best." To yet another,
"one fallowe heifer with bed and payer of sheets of
the third sorte and one Brasse Candlesticke." He was
evidently attached to his daughter-in-law, for he says,
" To daughter in Lawe Ellynor Marshe a white
Couerlett payer of blanketts, platter, pottinger, little
Caudron, her mother's Weddinge Ringe and her best
partlett, she to take her share quietly and without
troubling my Exor." Let us hope that Ellynor and
her mother-in-law had hair of the same shade, other-
wise what could she have done with the " best part-
lett"?
Richard Frowst, of Imscott, in Hartland, England,
died Sept. 2, 1580, leaving the following bequest:
' To Joane my daughter, my grete brazen panne
wth certaine ffethers that lyeth in a barrell in my
house."
In 1598, in Norfolk, England, a man named Fuller
leaves to his wife Ann, "all 'the household stuffe she
brought me, such as brasse, pewter, bedding, fowles,
etc., at her death to go to Thomas Fuller the younger."
These same people, by the way, had two sons named
Thomas and two named William, which might, it
BRASS WARE 137
would seem, have caused endless confusion in the
family.
Now, if we cross the water to America and come
down nearly a century later, we find that brass house-
hold articles are still highly considered. In " A true
Inventory of the Personal Estate of Capt. John San-
ford who Deceased the 25th of January, 1687, Taken
by us Whose hands are hereunto subscribed and valued
According to New England money," are mentioned the
following household articles:
s. d.
" Imprimis. Wearing cloathes I 08 oo
Item. Beds bedsteads and furniture thereunto
belonging 8 10 oo
Item. Brasse Weare I oo oo."
His table and stools are also mentioned as being worth
one pound.
The inventory of Governor Bradford, dated 1657,
has already been given in the section on Pewter, and
it is to be seen that he valued his " Kittles " and candle-
sticks very highly. Captain Miles Standish had three
brass kettles, four iron pots, one skillet, and one warm-
ing-pan, the bulk of his estate being in books and live-
stock.
It seems strange that brass lamps were not more
often mentioned, for they were by no means uncom-
mon and were of various types. The simplest and
most primitive were called " Betty lamps," and were
small trays into which some grease was put with a bit
,of twisted rag in the centre, which, when burning, gave
a feeble ray. These lamps generally had long handles
138 OLD PEWTER, BRASS, ETC.
by which they were hung on the wall, and they were
long in use both in this country and in England, and
not alone in the cottage districts either. They were
called "cruiseys" and " kials " as well as "Bettys,"
and in Figure 59 are shown two lamps 'and one candle-
stick. The central lamp, though this specimen was
brought from Damascus, is similar to the Betty lamp,
although the latter was made to burn only one wick,
while this is made for four, one at each corner. Much
brass work, both old and new, comes from Damas-
cus, there are countless trays, some, of them on feet
and intended to hold coffee sets ; there are bowls, and
lamps, and pitchers, or flagons. Women and children
are employed to restamp patterns on old trays from
which the design has been worn by constant use, but
to men only is entrusted the work of making new ones.
Since the attention of collectors has been turned to
brass ware, the shores of the Mediterranean, Syria,
North Africa, and the shores of the Adriatic, as well
as Spain, have been scoured for rare and antique
specimens. The most elaborate and beautiful work
comes from Persia, the lace-like design and the chas-
ing on the thick brass being equally admirable. Some
of the fine old pieces are dated, which of course adds
to their value.
The brass alms-dish of the dervish is his most
treasured possession, and was often made in the shape
of the black seed of the Seychelles palm, and ex-
quisitely decorated. Fine braziers are also to be found
in Persia, but many of them are the newest of the new,
successfully " treated." Shaving-basins of brass are
BRASS WARE 139
found in many countries, with a curved indentation
of the rim for the throat to fit into. Travellers to-day
are often amused to see a barber pursuing his voca-
tion by the roadside, the customer holding the basin
under his chin while the barber works.
In looking once more at Figure 59 the old brass lamp
seems quaint enough. It is made from sheet brass,
and is ornamented with a punched design. These
lamps were made either to stand, or to hang by means
of the device seen on the body of the lamp. The long
wick gave but a feeble flicker, and smoked beside. Yet
such things as this were used for the only luminary
of a family for an evening, when their entire energies
were devoted to making it burn and keeping the wick
at a proper distance out of the oil. No wonder that
our ancestors invented that old saw, " Early to bed and
early to rise ! "
The third object in the picture is a cast brass candle-
stick of unusual design. The central portion is a bell
which swings slightly to and fro and gives a pleas-
ing note when struck. It is possible that this was used
for a table light or at an inn, where the bell became
useful in summoning an attendant. I have seen only
two pairs like this, and both came from New Eng-
land.
When I look at these candlesticks I often think of
an experience I once had in the lovely old cathedral
city of York, England. When I went there I carried
letters of introduction to one of the old families, whose
ancestor some one or two generations back had mar-
ried an American girl, some time before the so-called
i4o OLD PEWTER, BRASS, ETC.
" American Invasion." They had a house, built into
the walls of the city, which stood on ground once he-
longing to the cathedral, and which had been in pos-
session of the family about six hundred years. Of
course we were anxious to see the house, and sent our
letters. Members of the family came to call, but we
were out, and then they sent us an invitation to dine.
This we accepted, mentioning, in the note, that we
begged to be excused for not appearing in evening
gowns, as we were travelling, and had left most of our
baggage in London. The messenger returned with a
note in which the invitation was changed from dinner
to lunch ! If that house had not been six hundred
years old we would not have taken the second cut, but
interest dominated pride and we went. On the walls
of the great hall in which we were received were suits
of armour and numerous brass plates inscribed with the
names of the kings, queens, and princelings who had
visited the place. The host, who held the position of
High Sheriff, and whose ancestors for many genera-
tions back had held the same office, was attired in
small-clothes and a wig, as he had just been officiating
at service in the minster, in attendance on some digni-
taries of the city. When we went into the dining-
hall, and "hall " it was truly, with a clerestory with
small stained-glass .windows through which the light
filtered softly down, and in which the dining-table
seemed like an oasis, so large was the apartment, I
noticed beside the host's chair a huge brass gong hung
on a standard. On this he struck when he wanted the
butler or any of the numerous footmen who were in
ffsr~s^^S~ W ^x~x.fl
Pig. 65. PIPKINS AND FEND&tfS: > ?
T/JC Fenders are Chippendale's Designs; the, Pirfkihs 'of
Period *.,
BRASS WARE 141
attendance. The stick which he used for this purpose
was laid beside his plate. My curiosity getting the
better of me, he told me that the gong had been in use
some hundreds of years by his forebears, and that the
old custom was retained by him. When I look on
these candlesticks I wonder if some old Englishman in
a more humble walk of life smote on the bell when he
wanted Betty to come and take away the roast beef
and Yorkshire pudding, and bring his pipe and grog,
and light the candles with a hot coal from the fire-
place !
The tall arms from which the fire utensils hung
were also generally provided with two or more places
for candles, showing that the popular seat was within
reach of both fire and light.
Sea coal was introduced about 1744, and at the same
time " Pennsylvania fireplaces " came into use, Ben-
jamin Franklin having invented his grate shortly be-
fore. Steel hearths and stove-grates could be bought
here by 1751, and iron stoves with feet and handles of
brass were also in use. Lamps came in pairs, and were
frequently made of cast brass, like those in Figure 60.
These were for burning sperm oil and had double
wicks, and though by no means givers of much light
they were vastly better than candles. It is not com-
mon to find a pair, indeed they are almost as un-
usual as a pair of china pitchers, though many of
these were sent over here for a period of eighty years
or more. Now a single pitcher of one pattern is all
we think of buying. This pair of lamps sold for fif-
teen dollars, but if you owned a pair you probably
142 OLD PEWTER, BRASS, ETC.
could not get half that amount for them, and rightly
too, for the dealer has his profit to make.
Very elegant lamps were sent over here for sale,
both from England and France, and I show one in
Figure 61. In most cases they were made of bronze
or brass water-gilt. Such lamps as these were often
ornamented with a row of glass prisms hanging from
the shade, and sometimes girandoles and sconces for
the wall, holding candles, were of this same material.
Very elegant ones were sent here from France, having
as a centre ornament a china plaque beautifully deco-
rated either with a head or with figures a la Watteau,
and such were choice parlour ornaments.
The " best room," " south parlour," or " drawing-
room," no matter what it was called by the stately
lady who presided over it, was never considered com-
plete unless it had on the mantle-shelf a set of cande-
labra or girandoles with prisms, or " lustres," as they
were called. Three candles in the middle one and two
each in the side otis were deemed the proper pattern,
and very ornamental they were, although they have
been banished to the attic for some decades. Now
we are beginning to haul them forth again, and have
to hunt about to find the prisms, for these are often
fewer than they should be, owing to the depredations
of the children, who love to watch the play of colours
as they filter through the sparkling glass. A quaint
pair with room for more than the usual number of
candles is seen in Figure 62.
Even the great makers of furniture, Chippendale,
Sheraton, Hepplewhite, Adam Brothers, and Hope
Fig. 66. GEORGE WASHINGTON'S HALL LANTERN
In ///< \titioii<il Miixt'uin, Washington
Fig. 67. BRASS "CHANDELIER
St. Michael'* Church, Charleston, 8. C.
BRASS WARE 143
himself, did not consider it beneath their dignity to
design fenders, girandoles, escutcheons and handles for
furniture. When once you begin on the subject of
metal mounts, which were chiefly of brass, you open
the doors to a subject so vast that it would take a whole
book to cover it properly. I have had many requests
for light on this subject, as many people are anxious
to restore to their furniture the handles and keyholes
which properly belong to them, so I have had copied
from the books of Chippendale, Hepplewhite and
Sheraton some pages of designs showing these mounts.
They even drew patterns for "pipkins" (scuttles) of
copper and brass (as shown in Figure 65), and their
wine-coolers were often bound with bands of these
metals, sometimes handsomely wrought.
These fenders were usually made from sheet brass,
cut into the desired patterns. When small ornaments
and mounts were cast, the moulds were of wood. The
Dutch as well as the English and French made hand-
some mounts, though the rage for these additions to
furniture never reached such proportions in any other
country as in France, and no maker ever gained the
proficiency and skill in using them of Riesener, who be-
gan to make his elegant pieces during the period of
Louis XV, but who is better known by his straight-
legged pieces which have come to be called " Louis
XVI style."
Every house with any pretensions to " gentility," or
even comfort, had in the entrance-hall a lantern, either
square or round, mounted in brass, and holding either
a candle or a small lamp. The lantern in Figure 66
144 OLD PEWTER, BRASS, ETC.
belonged to General and Mrs. Washington and hung
in the hall at Mount Vernon. It has some handsome
brass work on it. It was probably imported from
England with most of the other household goods, and
is now in the National Museum at Washington, where
so many interesting relics of the Father of his Coun-
try are to be found. These lanterns hung from the
ceiling by either chains or what were called " lines and
tossels." Joseph Cox was a fashionable upholsterer
from London, who had as his sign, " The Royal Bed."
He was first in Dock Street and then in Wall Street,
New York, and in 1773 had for sale " lines and a few
very handsome balance tossels for hall lanthorns."
He had also fire-screens and " voiders " (crumb-
trays), both of brass.
All public buildings were lighted in the same primi-
tive way as were private houses, and in most cases
candles were the means used. Churches had large
chandeliers of brass or bronze, and the one shown in
Figure 67 still hangs in Saint Michael's Church,
Charleston, S. C. It was made by G. Penton, a well-
known maker in London, and was imported in 1803.
It had holders for forty-five candles, and hung by a
chain. It has recently been bronzed and fitted for gas,
(1879), but still preserves its old look. It was quite
a business to light all those candles and keep them
snuffed, and the office of sexton was no sinecure. In
this church there is a fine brass dove which forms a
balance for the cover of the font when it is raised and
in use. This also was of English make.
Many domestic utensils were of brass, not only tea-
68. BRASS KETTLES AND PITCH Kit
from the Collection of Mr. George lirodhead
ijr. <')'.). MILK-CAN AND COOKING-UTENSILS
In the Mechanics Institute, Rochester, N. T.
BRASS WARE 145
kettles, but jugs, sugar-bowls, and small pitchers as
well. In Figure 68 are presented two kettles and a
pitcher. The kettle with the coat of arms on it is of
a pattern seldom seen, and has been much used. When
it was new it had a wooden handle, but this has all been
burned away, leaving only the iron pin which went
through its centre. The other kettle is older yet, a
battered veteran, made of hammered sheet brass and
having a brass handle. I hope the pitcher was used
only for hot water as a shaving jug, for I cannot con-
ceive of drinking milk or any other fluid which had
stood in such a receptacle.
Our ancestors generally, however, were not very
particular on this point, and to-day in Holland the
favourite milk-cans are of brass, similar to the one
shown in Figure 69, which is a nice old Dutch piece,
long in use. As usual it is of hammered brass, and
seems a finer quality of metal than any of the other
pieces, except the little perforated stand with feet.
This stand is a beauty. It is made from a single piece
of brass perforated in a pretty pattern, and once used
to stand among the hot ashes to hold some object which
was not suitable to be exposed to their heat. Perhaps
the best " chancy " teapot was kept warm in this when
company came of an afternoon, or the baby's milk was
heated in it, in a little pipkin or an earthen mug. We
shall never know just how useful it was; but it was
often used, that is certain, for the feet, which were
wooden knobs with iron pins through them, are all
burned away, and the bottom shows frequent contact
with hot coals. The teakettle in the same picture is a
146 OLD PEWTER, BRASS, ETC.
graceful one, and the two dishes in the same illustra-
tion were used for cooking or heating, after the food
had been once thoroughly cooked in the great iron pot
which hung in every fireplace.
There was another object in brass made by the
Dutch which far exceeded the milk-can in usefulness,
but in size is quite at the other end of the scale. This
is -the thimble. These articles were invented by a
Dutchman or a Dutchwoman and first brought to
England in 1695. Thimbles were then worn on the
thumb, and were called thumb-bells after this thum-
bles, then thimbles, a very easy and natural transition.
The early thimbles were made of brass or iron, but
a more luxurious age demanded them of gold, silver,
horn, glass, or even of mother-of-pearl. You will find
the latter in the Flowery Kingdom, where the little
brown ladies use them in making their matchless em-
broideries, these tiny articles having a top and rim of
gold, both metal and pearl-shell being exquisitely
carved. Paul Revere, of Lexington fame, was noted
for his handsome silver and gold thimbles and gold
beads, as well as for the larger pieces of silver, copper,
and brass ware which he made.
Handsome brass boxes were made in England, in
Flanders, and America, with either raised or engraved
decoration on them. They were used to hold tobacco,
snuff, or small articles, sometimes served as money-
boxes, or were hung at the church door to receive of-
ferings. The word " tip " originated in the old coffee-
houses, which were so popular in London. At the
door was a brass box with ,a slit in it. Engraved on
Pig. 70. BRASS KETTLES
From the Collection of Mr. William M. Hoyt
Fig. 71. SUGAR BOWL AND PITCHER
From the Collection of Mr. George Brodhead
BRASSWARE 147
the top were the letters " T. I. P.," an abbreviation for
the words, " To insure promptness." As customers
departed they dropped into the box a small coin for
the benefit of the waiters.
More precious to the housekeeper than little dishes
and boxes and pitchers and pans were the great brass
kettles, which were her pride and delight, even though
it did require such a world of care to keep them polished
to a proper state of brightness. Three sizes are
shown in Figure 70, all of them in good condition.
Since this picture was taken two of them have been sold
for five dollars each. But there is another side to this
picture, and if you are in luck you can find them for
less. Within a few weeks I have seen three about the
size of these, which were bought at a junk-shop in
western New York. When the antique-lover saw one
of them in the window, she went in, and, pursuing the
collector's usual tactics, asked the price of almost every-
thing before she came to the kettle. When she said,
"And how much is that?" and the dealer answered
" Fifteen cents," she could hardly believe her ears.
She hesitated, as if debating, and then said in an off-
hand manner, " well, I suppose I might as well take
it." Just as she was leaving she said, "You haven't
any other, have you?" The dealer brought out
another, somewhat smaller, and, watching her face
with the shrewdness of his race, saw that she could
not conceal her pleasure, and went up five cents in his
price ! She was preparing to carry off her spoils when
he brought out a third, which was in splendid condi-
tion, and the smallest of the three. When she asked
148 OLD PEWTER, BRASS, ETC.
" How much? " she found that the market had risen,
for he demanded thirty-five cents. It is needless to
say that she paid it cheerfully, and I do not think that
it would be possible to pick up any more bargains in
brass kettles of that junk-man, at least. If you get or
have kettles of this kind, do not make the fatal mis-
take of having feet put upon them, or of having the
bail handle taken off and lion's heads put in its place.
If you do you will absolutely destroy the whole charm
of the thing, and might as well go to any house-fur-
nishing or department store and get a brand-new one.
These brass kettles are highly prized to stand on the
hearth to hold coal or on the piazza to hold plants.
They take a splendid polish, and are brilliant ornaments
anywhere.
I have spoken of sugar-bowls of brass. One of
these is shown in Figure 71. It is quite pretty, with
a pattern on it, and with cast brass handles, which are
soldered on. By it stands a brass pitcher, quite a
crude affair with an awkward handle, but it is hand-
made, and as I turn it over I wonder if some " handy
man " did not make it for his wife, to eke out their
scanty supply of table furniture.
But almost more beloved and sought by the collec-
tor than these old articles which we have just shown,
and which should be of the first importance with us,
are the Russian brasses and coppers which are being
brought into the country by every arriving vessel with
emigrants, and which are also being made in many a
dark cellar on the East Side, New York. It is only a
few years since the first of these articles was seen here,
Fig. 72. RUSSIAN SAMOVAR
<;:<;
* *" - 1 '
BRASS WARE 149
when a wise Russian who had lived here some years
made a return trip to his home and brought back all
the old brass objects he could lay his hands on. So
successful was his venture that he repeated it many
times, and now he is on hand when the ships arrive and
buys much of the best that is brought by the immi-
grants. The every-day Russian kitchen is enough to
make the average collector wild with envy, for hang-
ing in rows on its walls are all the kitchen utensils,
copper and brass being the common metals in use, the
bride bringing enough on her marriage to last all her
life. These kitchen utensils are the gift of the bride's
mother, who begins to get them together while the
daughter is yet a child.
Among the articles most in use in a Russian house-
hold is a samovar, and three styles are illustrated in
Figures 72-74. In Figure 74, besides the samovar,
there are a queer Chinese candlestick and a vessel used
at Jewish feasts for sprinkling the guests at table
with incense. The vase on the other side is a fine
piece of work, and has an inscription of some sort
upon it.
In Figure 75 is a Russian brazier, very solid and
heavy, with a wrought cover perforated to permit the
heat to escape. It is ornate, and on the handles is a
mask of a man's face, while on the upper part of the
cover is some fine engraving.
It seems hardly proper to leave the subject of brass
without at least a reference to one of its most impor-
tant uses. This was the making of bells. From re-
mote times these were used in religious ceremonials,
150 OLD PEWTER, BRASS, ETC.
and their antiquity is unmistakable. In Exodus
xxviii, 34, we read a description of the robe of the
high priest at the celebration of sacrifices. He was to
wear " a golden bell and a pomegranate upon the hem
of the robe round about." Apparently it was more
than an embroidered ornament, for the next verse
says, " His sound shall be heard when he goeth in
unto the holy place before the Lord, and when he
cometh out."
The early bells used in the Christian Church were
hand bells, and some very ancient ones are preserved
in Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. They are four-sided,
nearly square, and of beaten brass bronzed over. In
ancient and more superstitious days the bells of a
church were baptised for the purpose of " driving
away divils and tempests," as one old writer puts it,
though with what success he neglects to state.
The union of copper and tin in different proportions
brings about wonderfully different results. In one
case it produces bronze; in another speculum-metal,
which is brilliantly white and is used for the reflectors
of telescopes ; while in other proportions it makes bell-
metal. Some bells are cast with a proportion of four
parts of copper to one of tin. Others have thirty-two
per cent, of copper to nine of tin. Lead, zinc, or ar-
senic are added also. Peter Van der Gheyn was the
most famous bell-founder in Flanders in the seven-
teenth century. He used the choicest metal in his
bells, red copper. Drontheim (called " Rosette,"
owing to a certain rare pink bloom which seems
to lie all over it, like the bloom on a plum or a
Fig. 73. URN
BRASS WARE 151
grape) combined with the purest tin. Enthusiasts
watching the casting of bells have thrown into the
cauldron rings, bracelets, and even bullion. At a cer-
tain critical moment zinc and other metals in certain
proportions secrets of each bell-founder are cast
in. Later the bell-pit is flooded, and when the metal
is cooled the bell is extracted from the mould. A
perfect bell, when struck, yields one note. Even the
greatest makers were not exempt from failure, and
sometimes, though the bell be perfect, it will crack
when being hung, or shortly after.
The bells of Belgium were used for other than
religious purposes, since that country was for years a
battle-ground. The first necessity in a fortified town
was a tower from which the approach of an enemy
could be seen ; the second, a bell to call the citizens to-
gether. In fact the bell in many a church tower did
not belong to the cathedral chapter, but to the town.
Thus the Curfew, the Carolus, and the St. Mary
bells in Antwerp cathedral belong to the town, while
the rest belong to the chapter. The Carolus, the best
beloved of all the forty bells in Antwerp cathedral,
was given by Charles V, and weighs seven and a half
tons. It is actually composed of gold, silver, and cop-
per, and is estimated to be worth $100,000. From
always striking in the same place, the clapper has worn
the two sides greatly, and so careful are the Anversois
of their treasure that it is now rung but twice a year.
Two of the most famous English makers of bells
were the Penningtons, and Abel Rudall, of Gloucester,
whose Christian name was often used in punning
152 OLD PEWTER, BRASS, ETC.
fashion on his bells. Latin and rhyming inscriptions
were the most popular, and a favourite one was,
" I to the Church the living call,
And to the Grave do summon' all."
Another favourite inscription in both English and
Latin wording was: " Jesu mercy, Lady help."
The bells of St. Paul's, London, are four in number,
and the largest bears the inscription : " Richard
Phelps made me 1716." In Westminster Abbey are
seven bells. On the largest is this inscription : " Re-
member John Whitmell, Isabel his wife, and William
Rus, who first gave this bell, 1430." Then below
comes this one: " Newcast in July 1599, and in April
1738, Richard Phelps and T. Lester, Fecit." The
oldest bell in this tower dates from 1583. The famous
big bell in this same Westminster Tower is cracked,
but it is nevertheless dearly loved by the London folk
who are used to hear it, even though it does not ring
true.
Although England and Belgium seem to be abund-
antly supplied with bells, it is in Russia that the greatest
number and largest-sized ones are to be found, every
church having a complete set. Moscow alone is said
to possess seventeen hundred.
There are many bells with histories in America,
where they served to warn the settlers in the field of
the approach of his deadly enemy, the Indian, as well
as to call to prayer on Sunday. Few sets of bells have,
however, lived through so many vicissitudes as those
which now hang in St. Michael's Church, Charleston,
Fig. 74. RUSSIAN SAMOVAR
From the Collection of Mrs. Charles P. Barry
Fig. 75. RUSSIAN BRAZIER
BRASS WARE 153
S. C. This in brief is their history. The bells are
eight in number, and the first time that they were tolled
was for the funeral of Mrs. Martha Grimke, Septem-
ber 22, 1764. For nearly twenty years their work
seems to have been more or less peaceful, and when
next we hear of them it was as follows :
"At the evacuation of Charles Town, December, 1782, Major
Traille, of the Royal Artillery, took down the bells and carried
them away as being public property. The next year Sir Guy
Carleton ordered them restored immediately."
The bells, however, had been sold in England, and, as
it happened, were purchased by a former merchant
of Charleston named Ryhiner, as a commercial adven-
ture, and shipped back to that city. On their landing,
" the over-joyed citizens took possession of them and
hurried them up to the church and into the steeple,
without thinking that they might be violating a
private right."
" In 1838 two of the bells were found to be cracked ; they were
sent to England, recast, and returned August, 1839. In June,
1862, they were sent to Columbia, S. C, and stored there. When
that city was burned during the occupation by Sherman's army,
the bells were burned too. In 1866 the fragments were gathered
together and sent to Mears & Steinbank of London, England, the
successors of the original founders, and recast in the same
moulds. They were sent back to Charleston, and on March 21,
1867, the familiar music of the chimes was heard again, in the
strains of ' Home again, home again from a foreign shore/ "
1
-
-
PART IV
COPPER UTENSILS
PART IV
COPPER UTENSILS
THOUGH brass is but a compound of copper and
another metal, I treated it first, since, in considering
the use of the two materials for domestic utensils, I
find brass greatly preponderating over copper in the
production of such vessels.
Copper is as widely distributed in nature as iron, but
owing to the difficulty of reducing iron from the ore,
an acquaintance with that metal comes after the use
of copper, silver and gold. Copper occurs in all soils
and in many substances as well, such as sea-weed, also
in many food-stuffs, etc. The methods of working it
vary according to the nature of the ores treated and
to local circumstances. It is abundant in America and
has been worked from very remote periods.
It is exceedingly malleable and ductile, and exceeds
both silver and gold in its tenacity. As we know, it
takes a beautiful polish, and I have found that it was
used for vessels and ecclesiastical objects almost as
much as brass. In an inventory of what were called
"Jewels," belonging to the Church of St. Peter,
Woking, England, in the year 1587, I find a number
of different metals in use, among them copper. Nor
was this unusual.
158 OLD PEWTER, BRASS, ETC.
" Imprinlis. A pix of silver. VIII oz.
Item, four chalices, parcell gilte thirti oz.
Item. Ill corporax clothes and their cases.
Item. Ill alter clothes of velvet and silke.
Item. Ill aulter clothes of lynnen.
Item, vestimentes.
Item. II coopes of velalt.
Item a surplice and IIII rochettes.
Item, a desk cloth.
Item. II canype clothes, 33 crosse clothes, a crosse staffe.
Hem. V towells, a red silke cloth quilted.
Item, a canype of silke.
Item. IIII tumacles and III albes, a crose of copper, a sen&f
Item. II waterpooles.
Item. V candlestickes.
Item, a latten bason and an ewere. a crosse cloth.
Item. VIII streamars and banners, a font cloth.
Item. II braunches of yron for tapers.
Item. V grete bells in the stepule, IIII little smal bells.
Item, a saunce bell, a payre of orgaynes."
The only article of silver in this enumeration is the pix,
and even iron was not deemed too humble a metal for
use on the " aulter."
Before touching on the domestic vessels of copper
with which we are most likely to be familiar, I wish to
show a thurible or encensoir (Figure 77) supposed to
belong to the fourteenth century, and now in the United
States. The common form of censer was either car-
ried in the hand or swung from the hand by chains.
This one stands upon a tray, the very beautifully
pierced top allowing the incense to escape. It is of a
rosy copper colour, heavy and hand made, the de-
sign being decidedly Oriental in conception. It looks
as if at some time it might have belonged in a mosque,
and have looked down on prostrate worshippers with
Fig. 70. KITCHEN AT VAN CORTLAND MANOR
> . N - .
Fig. 77. COPPER THURIBLE
In the Chicago Museum of Fine Arts
COPPER UTENSILS 159
flowing robes and turbaned heads. It is very heavy,
and the workmanship, notwithstanding its beauty, is
extremely crude. It shows the traces of long use, for
the incense was sprinkled on hot coals to make it give
forth its odour.
The Japanese and Chinese worked in copper cen-
turies ago, and produced many beautiful forms. The
Japanese got their copper from China in the shape of
ingots, although the metal was well known in Japan
from the seventh century.
The Dutch were also workers in copper and ex-
ported much of it in ingots as well as in manufactured
articles. The uses to which copper was put were not
always creditable, for in some instances it was used
to debase the coinage. In 1547 the English ordered
" 2000 kyntales " of copper from Flanders, to be used
in their silver coins. A set of Prussian coins was of
copper, silver-coated only, and when, after a time, the
silver began to wear off, the accident provoked
the remark that " the king's cheeks were blushing for
the character of his silbergroschen."
The early adventurers who reached the American
continent found that the natives had copper ornaments
and implements. Columbus, when at the Cape of
Honduras, was visited by a canoe of trading Indians.
Among the various articles of merchandise which
made up their cargo were "small hatchets, made of
copper to hew wood, small bells and plates, crucibles
to melt copper, etc."
When the Spaniards first entered the province of
Tuspan, Bernal Diaz says:
160 OLD PEWTER, BRASS, ETC.
" Each Indian had beside his ornaments of gold, a copper axe,
which was very highly polished, with a handle curiously carved,
as if to serve equally for an ornament and for the field of battle.
We first thought that these axes were made of an inferior kind
of gold; we therefore commenced taking them in exchange, and
in two days had collected more than six hundred, with which we
were no less rejoiced, not knowing their real value, than the
Indians with our glass beads."
La Vega says of the Peruvians :
" They make their arms, knives, carpenter's tools, large pins,
hammers for their forges, and their mattocks, of copper which
they seek in preference to gold."
Raleigh noted copper ornaments on the Indians of
the Carolinas. Granville speaks of copper among
the Indians of Virginia. " It was of the colour of
our copper, but softer." This was as early as
1585.
Robert Juet, in his account of Hudson's discovery of
the river which bears his name, asserts that the savages
" had red copper tobacco pipes and other things of
copper which they did wear about their necks." He
makes mention in another place of "yellow copper,"
as being distinct from " red copper." In an Indian
grave in St. Lawrence County, N. Y., were found
spearheads, pointed, double-edged,, and a foot long.
Two copper-bladed knives were found in the same
region.
The Indians of New England, New York, and Vir-
ginia had copper implements and ornaments, which
were obtained from native deposits, not by smelting
the ore. The English pioneers found in the copper
Fig. TS. rOI'I'EU WAIlMIXG-rAN. KETTLES. ETC.
From the Collection of Mr. \Vilfonl If. Laicxhc
Fig. 79. GEORGE WASHINGTON'S WARMING-PAN
In Ilic Xdtional Mu. ten in, \Vfifi]>inf/ton
Fig. 80. COPPER UTENSILS
In Deerflcld Memorial Hall
Fig. 81. PAUL REVERE'S COPPER CHAFING-DISH
In the Rooms of the Antiquarian Society, Concord, Mass,
COPPER UTENSILS 161
mines, or pits, masses of copper already at hand, which
could be easily worked by the hammer-men who were
coming so constantly to America.
Heriot says :
" In two towns 150 miles from the main are found divers small
plates of copper, that are made, we are told by the inhabitants, by
people who dwell -further in the country, where, they say are
mountains and rivers which yeild white grains of metal which
are deemed to be silver. For confirmation whereof, at the time
of out first arrival in the country, I saw two small pieces of silver
grossly beaten, about the size of a " tester," hanging in the ears
of a Wiroance. The aforesaid copper plates we found to con-
tain silver."
A "tester" was an old coin about the weight of a
silver sixpence.
When Massasoit first appeared in Plymouth, in
1621, Edward Winslow, as messenger from the Pil-
grims, presented him with some gifts. They were a
pair of knives, a chain of copper with a jewel attached;
and for Quadequina, the chief's brother, he brought
an earring, a pot of strong waters, a good quantity of
biscuit, and some butter. The " strong waters," you
see, made their appearance early in our bartering with
the Indians. Trading went on steadily, and by
twenty years later the Indians had acquired some of
the vices as well as some of the articles demanded by
civilisation.
In 1647 some Nipmuck Indians complained that
Uncas's brother, in a raid, had carried away ten of
their copper kettles. Copper beads were made by the
Indians themselves, and mines are being worked
to-day in Mexico which were worked in prehistoric
162 OLD PEWTER, BRASS, ETC.
times, as is indicated by the remains of more than two
hundred ancient furnaces.
While it is true that copper was found and worked
in America, it is also true that it was brought here
from other countries in the sheet, or made into uten-
sils. In the ship " John and Sarah, " which sailed
from London, November n, 1651, there were shipped
to Thomas Kember, of Charlestown, Mass., provisions,
iron, metal-work, household utensils, and merchan-
dise. The same merchant, a year previously, had re-
ceived a cargo of linens and cloths valued at over
2,000.
Not only were utensils made of copper, but buttons
were not uncommon. There were snuff and patch
boxes, tea-caddies, and other " toys," besides personal
ornaments. Kemp, -in his " Nine Days' Wonder,"
describes the host at Rockland with " his black shoes
shining and made straight with copper buckles of the
best, his garters in the fashion," etc.
Among the articles which I find most often in cop-
per are warming-pans, and they are often very orna-
mental and have fine handles. We are apt to forget
how much suffering must have been caused by the cold
houses of a couple of centuries ago, and while it is
true that no nation keeps such hot houses as we
do, it is also a fact that the houses themselves are
warmer.
Among the " Exchequer Papers " in London are
many charges for the expenses of " Poor Nelly "
Gwynne, who certainly did not come near starving
while her royal lover was alive, if these papers are to
Fig. 82. COPPER KETTLE AND FURNACE
In the Rooms of the Anti<iit<iri<ni Korirti/, Concord, Mass
Fig. 83. COPPER UTENSILS
From the Collection of Mr. Ifaljth Rurnham
Fig. 84. COPPER POT
From the Collection of Mr. William M. Hoyt
Fig. 85. COPPER KETTLES. RUSSIAN
From the Collection cf Mr. Dutlley Hoyt
COPPER UTENSILS 163
be trusted. Among the bills for the year 1674 there
are charges for a French coach and for a great cipher
from the chariot-painter; for a bedstead with silver
ornaments ; for great looking-glasses ; for oats and
beans ; for " chaney " oranges at threepence each ; and
for cleans-ing and burnishing the warming-pan! It
is somewhat strange that among the few relics of Nelly
which are still preserved is a warming-pan, perhaps
the very one which was "cleansed and burnished."
Nathaniel Pearsall, of Hempstead, L. I., in 1703
left by special bequest to his five daughters, each a
warming-pan, " to be provided by my executors." He
does not state whether they were to be of copper or
brass, but let us hope that they were of the former
metal, since those were so much handsomer. A rather
plain example of one of these pans is shown in Figure
78, which has upon it some engraving, and is possibly
of Dutch make. In the same picture are some other
copper utensils; the long-handled ladle is more often
found of brass than of copper, but this one is entirely
of copper.
A far handsomer warming-pan is shown in the next
illustration, Figure 79, and it has a historical interest
as well, for it belonged to George Washington and
was in use at Mount Vernon. It is of splendid hue,
with a carved mahogany handle, and, besides having
seen service, it is worn by frequent cleanings. The
pierced work on the cover is fine. Within recent years
it has been the fashion to collect such old covers and
have them mounted for sconces, with branches for
candles arranged on either side. I first saw this use
164 OLD PEWTER, BRASS, ETC.
for them in Brussels, but the thrifty Dutch have sent
many over here, and you may find them hanging in
many a house, the owner of which has not the faintest
idea of the homely origin of her " antique " sconces.
They have the merit, however, of being really antique.
A third pan, with some pretty engraving on it, is shown
in Figure 80. The work on these pans is usually of
a conventional character, but the engraving on this
specimen shows a bird holding what is presumably
an olive-branch in its mouth, sitting upon a twig bear-
ing many flowers. The handle is of fine wood, cherry,
but is not carved. The copper candlesticks in this
picture have a pattern about the base and top, and are
not common articles. The pan with the heavy handles
was to be used on some sort of a trivet, while the other
is merely a bowl. All the articles have seen much
service and belong in New England.
Another New England relic is the chafing-dish, or
brazier for charcoal, and the kettle which goes with
it, to be seen in Figure 81. These were made about
the year 1780 by Paul Revere, and in 1875 were given
to the Concord Antiquarian Society by his grandson,
John Revere. They are of handsome work, as may
be seen, the handles of the dish being graceful and
massive. We are used to think that the chafing-dish
is a product of the modern cooking-school, but it is a
very ancient utensil, and there were numerous instances
of it in America from the earliest days of the colonies,
like the one owned by the widow Cotymore, which is
named in her inventory as a " cop. furnace."
Governor Montgomerie's belongings were auctioned
Fig. 86. COPPER UTENSILS, RUSSIAN
rtnii the Collection of .1/r.s. Charles P. Barry
Fig. 87. COPPER UTENSILS, RUSSIAN
From the Collection of Mrs. Charles P. Barry
Fig. 88. COPPER COFFEE-POTS AND KETTLES, RUSSIAN
From the Collection of Mrs. Charles P. Barry
Fig. 89. COPPER COFFEE-POT AND BOWLS, RUSSIAN
From the Collection of Mrs. Charles P. Barry
COPPER UTENSILS 165
off about 1731. Among them were "a large fixt
Copper Boyling pot. A large Iron Fire-place, Iron
bars and Doors for a Copper." Copper " furnaces "
and grates could be bought here by 1751. In 1760
"polished copper chafing-dishes and copper kitchens
with stands " were advertised for sale in New York.
Another form of furnace or brazier stands under the
copper kettle in Figure 82. This is a more ordinary
form of kettle than that made by Paul Revere. The
quaint little iron brazier on which it rests is not usual,
and was probably made by some workman for his
own family. The hot coals were put in the upper
perforated part, and the whole contrivance could stand
on the floor, the iron shelf preventing the heat from
scorching, or hot coals from falling on the boards and
setting things on fire, since one of the deadliest enemies
of our forefathers was fire, which had to be fought by
the most primitive methods. This kettle and stand
are also at Concord, but the kettle and measures in
the next picture (Figure 83) are at Ipswich, Mass.
This style of kettle was quite general, and there were
some examples which had an extra part added for
standing among the coals. In some instances this
lower part was of iron, but in the oldest vessels copper
was the metal used throughout the entire kettle, and
it was shaped by hand.
I call the two cup-like vessels on the end, " mea-
sures," for lack of a better name, and metal measures
were in use for dealing out " cyder " as well as " N. E.
rum," and every storekeeper was supposed to have a
set. The two articles next the kettle have heavier
i66 OLD PEWTER, BRASS, ETC.
bottoms and show the effects of heat, but they are all
fine things, and handsome pieces of metal.
In Figure 91 are shown some quaint old kettles
hanging on the crane in the fireplace in Massachusetts
Hall, the original building of Bowdoin College. This
hall was built in 1802, and in this capacious fireplace,
which has remained unchanged since the day the first
logs blazed upon its broad hearth, Longfellow did his
cooking. The college records do not say whether he
was a good cook or not, but he had the best facilities
which the college afforded, an open hearth with
swinging crane and glowing coals being considered far
superior to the cooking-stoves of that day. He was but
fourteen when he entered Bowdoin in the year 1821
and commenced living in this quaint old room.
Another cooking-utensil of primitive make is that
in Figure 84, showing most plainly of all the marks
of the hammer, and having a cover of similar stout
make. It is capable of holding a couple of gallons,
and the handles, which are of course rivetted on, are
susceptible of lifting a heavy weight. This piece was
recently picked up in New York State, and is a most
interesting find. Many of these odd pieces were the
work of domestic tinkers, or of metal-workers who
filled individual orders or made articles which they
thought would suit the local market. They are much
more interesting to the collector than the conventional
shapes, and consequently command higher prices. AH
the pieces in the next illustration (Figure 85) have a
foreign look, except the old teapot at the end. They
were spoils from some Polish Jews who were only
Fi. 90. COFFEE-URN
From the Collection of Mrs. David Hoj/t,
COPPER UTENSILS 167
too glad to exchange them for granite-ware or
even tin, and they are now ornamenting a collector's
studio.
If you create a demand a supply will spring up to
meet it, and the enthusiasm which has developed over
Russian coppers and brasses is being catered to.
Undoubtedly much fine old ware is being brought
into the United States, and if you have the opportunity
and desire to seek some pieces from the arriving
immigrants, you may obtain them. But to see the
artist-artisan at work on his "antiques," visit New
York's great Russian quarter, and you will see shop
windows shining with thousands of pieces. In Allen
Street you will hear the sound of the metal-worker as
he swings his mallet, and if you are allowed to pene-
trate the dusky recesses of the back shop you will find
at work a swarthy man with dark eyes, and hanging
around him are shears and pincers, hammers and mal-
lets, sheets of copper and patterns by which to cut out
his metal. He works at a long rough table, and near
at hand is a crude furnace at which he heats his metal,
and when it is at the proper temperature to make it
malleable, he begins to hammer it into shape, stroke
by stroke. As it slowly takes form you see the grace-
ful shapes you admire growing before your eyes, with
the hammer-marks which are always so esteemed as
showing the work to be hand-made rather than
machine-made. To suit " the trade," some of these
newly made goods are battered and dented, and hung
in the smoke to darken.
A sight by no means uncommon in these shops
168 OLD PEWTER, BRASS, ETC.
in the Ghetto, is that of an old woman of foreign
aspect, poking among the articles of brass and copper
with which the corners are filled, and muttering to
herself in a strange, foreign tongue, as she sets forth
one article after another : a great tea-kettle, a cooking-
vessel, a pot or two-handled cup, something that is
like the things she was used to at home. She asks
the prices, she tries to beat the dealer down, and at last
almost sadly replaces the things she has picked out,
not able to understand why, as they are old, they should
cost so much. Her pennies are few, and the push-
cart man just outside has things which will answer her
purposes quite as well, and for which she will pay
so little.
Figures 86 and 87 show some of these Russian
brasses, all of them obtained directly from the peas-
ants themselves. Most of these articles are made from
a single piece of copper, but in the worn old kettle in
Figure 87 a new bottom has been added, and the upper
part has been patched many times. The copper, from
much subjection to heat, is almost like parchment and
seems ready to crumble at a touch, but it is a beauti-
ful colour, and one wonders at its history. Who
knows, perhaps it was carried along in " The Flight
of a Tartar tribe." It may have touched Siberia, and
come back, but few things even so sturdy as copper
kettles have done that!
The tall, graceful, and Oriental-looking coffee-pots
shown in Figures 88 and 89 were obtained from the
same sources, those in Figure 88 seeming the older.
Such pieces as these are great ornaments and seem to
Fig. 91. LONGFELLOW'S FIREPLACE AT BOWDOIN COLLEGE
COPPER UTENSILS 169
show best in a dusky corner, whence the gleam of the
red copper is very effective.
As the last illustration in this part (Figure 90) I
give an American coffee-urn, as widely different in
form from the preceding ones as can be imagined.
It is about a hundred years old, and was made at the
time when " green ivory " was so fashionable for
knife-handles, a fancy which did not last long. The
knob of the handle of the spout is of this green ivory,
and looks very well against the copper hue of the urn
itself. One curious detail is that the body is set on
at right angles to the base, so that the spout comes at
a corner. The coffee is kept hot by putting a hot iron
into a receptacle in the inside of the urn, a common
way before the use of spirit-lamps. Coffee has had
many bad names applied to it, among them being
" Polititian's Porridge " and " Mahometan Gruel."
Perhaps the latter name could be applied to the fluid
which came from the vessels in the former pictures,
but I am assured that nothing but the most fragrant
beverage ever flowed from this last antique, which
even to-day is of use. The hammer-marks are plainly
visible on its inner sides, and the pierced work at the
top is made by hand and allows the aroma to escape.
The collector who owns it worked for months before
she could obtain possession of it, and when you come
to the matter of price, she becomes very reticent!
PART V
SHEFFIELD PLATE
PART V
SHEFFIELD PLATE
THE city of Sheffield has long been famous for its
manufactories, and is known to the world as the place
where the best cutlery is made. It was famous for
its knives as early as 1380, for at that time Chaucer
wrote of the Sheffield " whyttles," as they were then
called. In this town, as in so many in England, the
changes, both economic and social, from the eighteenth
to the beginning of the twentieth century, seem more
far-reaching and considerable than those from the six-
teenth to the eighteenth century. From the former
period (about the year 1700), England progressed by
leaps and bounds, and in no one place was this more
noticeable than in the smoky city on the Don.
It was not until nearly the close of the first half of
the eighteenth century that merchants began to send
their wares beyond the narrow confines of their own
county, and to seek wider sales for their goods than
could be obtained at the annual fairs held in the neigh-
bourhood. Joshua Fox is said to have been the first
merchant of Sheffield to enter into personal relations
with London, and when in 1723 he started out to make
the journey thither, he left behind him a weeping wife
and children and uneasy neighbours. He walked the
first day as far as Mansfield, and rested there that night
and part of the next day, " until travellers met together
173
174 OLD PEWTER, BRASS, ETC.
in sufficient numbers to brave the perils of Notting-
ham Forest, dreaded both for its robbers and the
intricacies of the road."
Even by 1771 London methods were not understood,
and Sheffield merchants declined to give a discount,
preferring the smaller sales at home. The trade was
of course much circumscribed, and consisted chieily
in the preparation of the raw material for the manu-
facturer. The goods which were made there were sent
out to the neighbouring towns by pack-horse, and all
the manufactories were small ones.
By 1747 a Mr. Joseph Broadbent took the first step
in opening business relations with foreign houses, and
his example was followed by other merchants. In
1742 a new trade was added to the large number
already practised in the town, which added much to its
importance and prosperity, and tended to raise Shef-
field to a place among the great industrial centres of
England. This trade was the manufacture of plated
articles to take the place of silver ones, and though the
story of the discovery of silver-plating is an old one,
I shall tell it here for the benefit of those who have not
heard it before.
" Mr. Thomas Bolsover, an ingenious mechanic, when employed
in repairing the handle of a knife, composed partly of copper and
partly of silver, was, by the accidental fusion of the two metals,
struck with the possibility of uniting them so as to form a cheap
substance which should have an exterior of silver, and which
might be used for the manufacture of articles which had hitherto
been made of silver only. He consequently began a manufac-
ture of articles made of copper, plated with silver, but confined
himself to buttons, snuff-boxes, and other light and small articles.
SHEFFIELD PLATE 175
Like many other inventors he did not see the full value of his
discovery, and it was reserved for another member of the Cor-
poration of Cutlers of Sheffield, Mr. Joseph Hancock, to show to
What other uses copper, plated with silver, might be applied, and
how successfully it was possible to imitate the finest and most
richly embossed plate. Workmen were secured from among
the ingenious mechanics of Sheffield, who in a few years, aided by
Mr. Tudor and Mr. Leader and a few other operative silver-
smiths from London, soon equalled, in the elegance of their de-
signs and the splendour of their ornament, the choicest articles
of solid silver."
The manufacture of Old Sheffield Plate has long
since died out, and the present metal on which silver
is plated is composed of copper, nickel, and zinc, and
is white in its tint, while the old ware was plated on
copper. The process was interesting, and from an
old account of the manufacture, I give the following
details.
A number of pounds of copper, say twenty-five or
thirty, were put into a melting-pot with some hand-
fuls of charcoal. When the copper was all melted
(some manufacturers adding a little brass, the copper
alone being too flexible) it was run into a mould of
ingot shape, the common size being two and a half
inches broad by one and a half inches thick, and in
length according to the size of the piece to be made.
This ingot was then planed, scraped, and polished
perfectly clean and smooth. A sheet of silver, which
varied in thickness from one sixteenth to one half of
an inch, was then taken, made exactly the same size
as the copper ingot to which it was to be applied, and,
like the ingot, scraped and cleaned, and made free
from any imperfections. The two cleaned surfaces
i/6 OLD PEWTER, BRASS, ETC.
were then put together, great care being taken to avoid
handling them.
The next step in the process was to place upon the
silver another sheet of copper, about half an inch thick,
and somewhat smaller in size than the silver, and then
upon the whole was put a strong iron plate, also some-
what smaller than the silver, and not more than half
an inch in thickness. These plates were then bound
securely together with heavy iron wire, so that they
should maintain their relative positions when put into
the fire for the process of soldering the silver on the
copper. Borax and water was then applied to the
edges of the silver, the ingot was placed in a plating-
furnace heated with coke, and kept there till the silver
was flush around the edge. The ingot was then
removed with a pair of specially constructed tongs
which did not press into the metal, was placed in a
position which kept it perfectly level, and left there
till the silver had set. This process was repeated if
both sides of the piect to be made required plating,
such articles as dish-covers, which were immensely
popular at one time, being plated on one side only,
the inner side being tinned when the article was
made up.
After the ingot was coated with silver, the second
step was to roll the ingot to the required thickness,
and this was done by passing the ingot through rollers
in the usual way. Having got the ingot into sheet
metal of the required thickness, the next step was to
cut it in a pattern of the article to be made. It is at
this stage that the silver shield, which is the best test
Fiff. 92. SHEFFIELD-PLATE TRAYS
From the Collection of Mr. H. Coopland, Sheffield, England
Fig. 93. SHEFFIELD-PLATE, CASTORS AND DISHES
SHEFFIELD PLATE 177
of Old Sheffield Plate, was added. If the article to be
made was round ware, like cups, teapots, jugs, or
urns, the two edges were brought together, being dove-
tailed into each other, and then soldered together with
filed solid silver. The article then presented the form
of a tube, and was put upon what was known as a
" stake," and the joining was thoroughly hammered
till it was flat and smooth.
The pattern was then given to the workman, and
with a tool known as a " bellying-hammer," he
brought the body to its greatest diameter, and the
other portions to their required shape. It can be seen
that this work required a high class of mechanics, and
some of these had a habit of going on " sprees," the
proprietor advancing the money, often in considerable
sums, even a hundred pounds, as the only condition on
which the workmen would return, so secure were they
of their ability to obtain places. This state of things
became intolerable, and as more men learned the work
the conditions improved.
All the second step of the work the bringing the
article to its required shape was called " raising,"
and the tool was a mallet of horn, while the stake was
of steel. After the required shape was obtained, the
article was hammered over a number of times, first
with a bare hammer, and afterward with a hammer
with a steel facing strapped to it, while a pad of cloth
was wrapped around the stake, so as to give the article
a fine smooth surface.
The feet, handles, or mounts were then added, and
this was an elaborate and difficult process, as these
i;8 OLD PEWTER, BRASS, ETC.
pieces were made of a thin sheet of silver struck in
a steel die which required great care and expense to
get to the proper state of perfection. After being
struck, the mounts were filled with solder, and bent,
on some soft substance like lead, to the proper shape.
They were then soldered on to the article, such as a tray
or any round piece like a teapot, a sugar-bowl, etc., the
surface around the site of the mount being carefully
painted over with whiting, so that the solder should not
run on the silvered surface. The object was then care-
fully heated, and the mounts pressed in place by some-
thing soft, like cork, the heat being kept up till the
solder was just at the melting-point, but not running,
which would ruin the article. After cooling, the whit-
ing was washed off, and the piece was ready for the
next step.
This was the addition of the silver edges, which
were applied to the body of the article on one side,
and passed under the mounts on the other edge, being
soldered down on both sides. The article was now
ready for the decorator, if it was to be chased, and
finally passed into the hands of the burnisher and
polisher. The burnishing was done by women with a
bit of fine polished steel, worked by hand in different
ways. It can be seen that this process of manufacture
was elaborate and necessarily expensive.
For the first sixty years after Bolsover's discovery
copper was plated on one side only, and when any
article had to be plated both inside and out it was made
of two sheets of plate, the edges being drawn over
so as to expose the silvered sides to view. After a
SHEFFIELD PLATE 179
time it was found possible to coat the copper on both
sides, and so well do some of these old pieces wear that
they are still in splendid condition, showing at the
edges only any signs of the copper.
In England the term most frequently applied to this
plated ware is " Close Plate," and when the copper
shows through at the edges it is known to the
trade as " bleeding," a very comprehensive term.
Although we in America are apt to associate this kind
of ware with the city of Sheffield only, the fact remains
that it was also made in Birmingham. In that city
they seemed to confine themselves largely to the
smaller class of articles, like snuff-boxes, buttons, and
boxes. In fact Sheffield says that Birmingham has
been remarkable for three things only, buttons, buckles,
and riots ! Certainly when we come to read the history
of the city it seems to have made its share of the
former, and undoubtedly it had more than its share
of the latter.
I have mentioned what an important article of trade
buttons were, and though they held the field longer
they did not at any time arrive at the importance
which buckles held. For at least one hundred and
fifty years, buckles played an important part in the
dress of every man, woman, and child in Great
Britain, and thousands of pairs were exported
annually. They first made their appearance about
1659, and were about the size of a bean, for at that
time the metals employed were either gold or silver,
and while the nobility sported diamonds in their
buckles, the middle class were content with paste. In
i8o OLD PEWTER, BRASS, ETC.
few fashion-books can be found any reference to
buckles, yet they flourished till about 1800, rising and
falling from the hat to the foot, and they were some-
times to be found on foot, knee, and cap, in the
same costume. If you consult the pictures of the old
masters, you will find that buckles are lacking in those
painted by Van Dyck, are occasionally present in those
of Lely and Van Loo, and are ever present in the lovely
portraits of Gainsborough, while Sir Joshua Reynolds
painted his admirals in small-clothes with long stock-
ings and buckled shoes, a costume which has now dis-
appeared from the navy except on the stage. In
Hogarth's striking pictures of life in his time in Lon-
don, you will find buckles alike on his drunken soldiers,
on his apprentices, on the women of that class, and on
the " lady-friends " of the soldiers. But among
women of the higher classes, such as are pictured in
" Marriage a la Mode," they are absent, though in the
songs of the period they are often satirized, and one
of the dances was called "Cover the Buckle." Pepys,
the indefatigable, mentions in his diary for January
22, 1659, " This day I began to put buckles on my
shoes."
In the " Toilet of England," it mentions for
1670:
" The Spanish leather boot introduced under Charles I still con-
tinues to be the fashion, but the immense Roses on the shoes have
gradually declined, and are replaced by wide strings and buckles."
In order to supply those persons who wished, as
far as they could, to follow the mode set by the court,
the buckle-makers of Sheffield, Birmingham, Wol-
Fig. 94. TJRNS, WINE-COOLERS, AND TRAYS
SHEFFIELDPLATE 181
verhampton, and many other towns made immense
numbers. When the fashion was at its height 2,500,-
ooo buckles were made at Birmingham alone, and
when there was a change in the fashion it caused
the greatest apprehension. In the " Annual Register "
for December 14, 1791, appears the following note:
" Several respectable buckle-makers from Birmingham, Wal-
sall, and Wolverhampton waited upon H. R. H. the Prince of
Wales with a petition setting forth the distressed situation of
thousands in the different branches of the buckle trade, from the
fashion now and for some time back so prevalent of wearing
shoe-strings instead of buckles. H. R. H., after considering the
petition very attentively, graciously promised his utmost assis-
tance by his example and influence."
The " Gazette " announces after this appeal :
" The unmanly shoe-string will henceforth be thrown aside for
the buckle. On his birthday, his Royal Highness, and all his
sisters, appeared in the Soho new-invented shoe latchets, and have
since continued to wear them. Indeed no well-dressed gentle-
man or lady now appears without these buttons, and the orna-
ment of the buckle."
But for all this the shoe-buckle died, and the effeminate
shoe-string came in. At the time of their greatest
popularity buckles were made from gold, silver-gilt,
silver, Sheffield plate, paste (both French and Eng-
lish), brass, copper, glass, jet, pinchbeck, gun-metal,
steel, and sometimes wood. Sir S. Ponsonby Fane,
long a collector of brass and iron work, has made a
collection of these buckles, and has about four
hundred. Many of them are of this Old Close Plate
and are very ornamental, the plate in some cases being
decorated wit'n knobs or buttons of cut steel.
i82 OLD PEWTER, BRASS, ETC.
I have, myself, a pair of these old plate buckles
which I got years ago in Holland, and which have the
two stars of the Soho Plate Works of Birmingham.
They have hand-wrought steel points to hold the
leather, and beautiful tiny raised stars are the orna-
ment. Every half inch all around the top, there are,
besides, cut steel facets, which gleam brightly when
they are polished. These buckles " bleed " in many
places, and plainly show the silver edges. They are
not very large, measuring only two inches across the
long way, and they are oval in shape.
In the early clays of the Colonies buckles were much
worn in America, and many of them were of good gold
plate, for it was only the few who could squander
much coin on such frivolities as these. What has
become of all these millions of shoe-buckles it would be
hard to say. As they were small, they were probably
thrown into the scrap-heap as entirely worthless,
unless they were of paste or some of the more precious
metals.
In many of the illustrations of this subject you will
see that the article is marked with either initials or
a crest. Heraldry has long been a hobby with our
English cousins, and we are now taking up the cry,
having crests and quarterings made to suit our fancy
if we have no such belongings rightfully in the
family.
To meet this demand for marking one's possessions
which was felt by nearly every would-be purchaser,
the Sheffield manufacturer imbedded in his Close Plate
a shield of pure silver, so that engraving would not
SHEFFIELDPLATE 183
cause " bleeding." The manner in which this was
inserted was a delicate process requiring the most care-
ful handling. The object to which the shield was
to be attached had a hole cut from a copper scale which
fitted over it, of the proper size and shape, and a piece
to fit it exactly was cut from a sheet of silver, and the
edges bevelled off for about an eighth of an inch all
around, which process was called " tapering off." It
enabled the workman afterward to hammer the joining
so that it could not be perceived. Both the shield
and the article to which it was to be attached was
dipped in vitriol and water r and carefully cleaned with
very fine brickdust. The shield was then fitted to its
place, and with the article was taken to a hearth. As
in the previous work, a fire of charcoal supplied the
heat, and the workman increased this at his convenience
by a pair of bellows which he worked with his foot.
The article was made red-hot, pains being taken that it
did not get too hot, which would cause the silver plate
to blister. At exactly the right moment, when both
article and shield were at the proper degree of heat,
the workman took a steel instrument and began to rub
around the edges of the shield, keeping both articles
red-hot, and subduing the heat in the steel tool by
plunging it constantly in water. He gradually rubbed
it over the surface of the whole shield till the latter
became firmly attached to the metal below. Of course
great care was taken that no air remained between
the shield and the metal, for in that case the silver
would blister. This could be remedied by pricking
the blister and rubbing the smoothing-tool over the
184 OLD PEWTER, BRASS, ETC.
surface. The article was then put on a steel stake and
well hammered, so that it was quite impossible to
detect the joint. No solder was ever used, the work-
man who did this branch of the work having to be an
expert in his craft. On a large tray the shield had to
be about four inches by three in size, and was usually
in proportion to the size of the article on which it was
to be placed. Small articles did not have these shields
as a rule.
The patterns in the Sheffield plate followed right
along after the fashions of the same period in silver
ware. \Yhen it became the style to have the inside
of pitchers, sugar-bowls, and cups gilded, the Shef-
field makers were no whit behind the silversmiths,
and their ware was gilded too. In the gilding, fine
gold and mercury were used. An amalgam was made
by boiling the gold in about five times its weight of
mercury, the process taking place in an iron ladle which
had been coated with whiting and water and then
dried. After the boiling had been completed the
amalgam was poured into cold water, which brought
it to a semi-fluid condition. Then it was put in a
leather bag and squeezed, this simple method getting
rid of the mercury, which was forced through the
leather, the gold alone remaining in the bag. When
the mercury was extracted, and the lump of gold was
felt to be rather hard, it was taken out, weighed, and
valued.
The proper consistency of the gold was about that
of stiff clay, and it was divided into portions sufficient
to cover the article which it was designed to gild. As
Fig. 95. TRAYS AND WINE-COOLER
Fig. 9G. TABLE ARTICLES AND CANDLESTICKS
SHEFFIELDPLATE 185
there was no chemical affinity between the gold and the
object to be coated, it was necessary to use a solution
of nitrate of mercury, which was made by using a
quart of nitric acid to a tablespoonful of mercury. The
union of these substances is accompanied by the pro-
duction of considerable heat and the formation of
nitrous gas. When this nitrate of mercury was put
on the copper, its surface at once became an amalgam,
and to this surface the other amalgam of gold and
mercury closely adhered by means of the molecular
attraction of fluid metals to each other. The mode of
applying the gold to the interior surfaces of vessels
was by coating them with the nitrate and then apply-
ing the amalgam. When this was done, the vessels,
with the gold side up, were placed in open pans and
set over a coke fire, the heat causing the mercury
slowly to evaporate and leave the gold only. This
process, though a costly one, was lasting, as may be
proved by many a piece of plate still bearing its golden
interior. The modern way of depositing the gold by
electricity, while much cheaper, is far less lasting.
The last and perhaps the most important improve-
ment in the making of Sheffield plate was the process
of soldering on solid silver edges and mounts, which
protected the parts most exposed to wear and prevented
the " bleeding " of the edges. This method was
invented by Mr. George Cadman, when in partnership
With Mr. Samuel Roberts, about the year 1784.
At least ten years before this, in 1773, the pop-
ularity of the Sheffield plate had led to the opening
of an assay office in Sheffield, and the production of
186 OLD PEWTER, BRASS, ETC.
sterling ware. This was protected by a system of
marks which changed with every year.
The marks on Sheffield plate were usually the names
of the makers, or their initials, accompanied by some
device. Frequently the device appeared alone, and I
give some of the best-known ones, hoping that you
will find some of them on those old wine-coasters
which belonged to your grandfather, or on the tray
which held the snuffers for those tall candlesticks
which have stood so long on the parlour mantel!
And now to give some idea of the prices at which
this old ware changes hands. A pair of wine-coolers,
like the one on the left in Figure 93, sold recently in
London for 15. Very plain candlesticks for bed-
room use bring $7 or $8 a pair, while ornamental ones
are worth $25 any day. Such candelabra as that
seen in Figure 95 a Sheraton pattern are cheap
at $50 a pair, even though it does hold but two candles,
while those in Figures 96 and 98 are worth much more,
and are difficult to find in America in the old plate,
although the same patterns are reproduced in modern
plate.
Old Sheffield ware should never be replated, and
articles which have been are worthless to the collector,
since the old process, which made the article of worth,
has been covered up. In this branch of the antique
business, as in all others, the counterfeiter has been
at work. The truth is that this is a collecting age,
and the curio-dealer is doing all in his power to make
it pass quickly by flooding the market with spurious
imitations.
SHEFFIELDPLATE 187
These goods are not like the toys and other trifles
which are imported, and stamped " Made in Ger-
many," but not only are they not stamped at all, but
they are excellent imitations. In this very fact lies
the danger to the public, for we may buy both in Eng-
land and this country " old English glass," made in
Holland and Germany, " Battersea " enamels fresh
from Paris, " Bow " and " Chelsea " figures which the
potteries in Germany are turning out by the hundred,
not to mention all the " antique furniture " made here,
there, and everywhere, the samplers copied from old
ones, and even " Sheffield plate." In this latter case
the design is made in copper from a good old pattern,
and then " dipped," a few places are rubbed till the
copper shows through ; some scratches are added by
means of a sharp tool ; and there is the article, ready
for a confiding public. In fact the manufacturers in
Sheffield are constantly importuned to " copy " old
plate for the benefit of unscrupulous dealers who
would not hesitate to palm it off as the " real thing."
The making of Sheffield plate covered about a
century, from 1742 to 1845, when the process of
electro-plating entirely crowded out the older method.
The' number and variety of articles manufactured was
very great, and comprised cpcrgncs, urns for both tea
and coffee, teapots, coffee-pots, tea-kettles, lamps,
candlesticks and candelabra, tankards and measures
of all sizes, mugs, jugs, cups, tumblers, caudle-cups,
toast-racks, cruet- frames, hot-water plates, platters
and dishes, venison-dishes, dish-rims, covers, castors,
crosses, trays and waiters of all sizes, bottle- and
i88 OLD PEWTER, BRASS, ETC.
writing-stands, tureens, ladles, spoons, scallop-shells
for serving fish, canisters, tea-caddies, mustard-pots,
argyles, snuffers and trays, wine-funnels, saltcellars
of many shapes, bottle-labels, cream-pails, bread-,
cake-, and sugar-baskets, skewers, spoon-trays, cream-
jugs, lemon-strainers, cheese-toasters, stewpans, sauce-
pans, chocolate-pots, snuff-boxes, bridle-bits, stirrups,
spurs, buttons, buckles, knife- and fork-handles, bridle-
buttons, saddle-buttons, and a number of other
articles.
In Figure 97 is shown a choice collection of tea-
pots, all but two showing the fine silver feet, headings,
and mounts which were so prevalent in this high-class
work. Some of the pieces are lavishly engraved, and
many are fluted, a favourite form of design for many
years. It is a pity that there is no way of telling the
age of the pieces, for the makers contented themselves
with putting on their names or trademarks, and left
to the sterling-makers the practice of putting on the
date letter.
It is possible to get good old plate in America.
Indeed, I know of some pieces which pass for silver.
One urn in particular is in my mind which the owners
calmly assert is silver, even though in spots the copper
is smiling through at you ! I long ago gave up setting
people right as to their belongings, and can now regard
with interest a piece of what I know to be Stafford-
shire ware when its owner assures me it is " old Capo
di Monti." It is only by special request that it is safe
to " name and date antiques," and you want to be very
sure of your collector even then. In Figure 102 are
Fig. 07. TEA AND COFFEE POTS
Fig. OS. CANDLESTICKS AND COVERS
SHEFFIELDPLATE 189
some nice old plated teapots, which, though unmarked,
I believe to be Sheffield, since they have all the proper
characteristics, silver mounts, silver headings, and are
plated on copper. They are not so old as the specimens
given in Figure 97, for this squatty pattern was pop-
ular after 1800. The central teapot is not to be con-
sidered, as it is silver; but all three pieces belong to
one collector, and he had that one put in too.
Several times within late years it has been possible
to get fine old Sheffield plate at Washington, where
English ambassadors or members of their embassy
have sold off many of their . household goods before
returning to England. I know of two dishes that were
obtained in this way. They have on them a well-
known crest, and are handsome and fine pieces, similar
in pattern to the little one on the right in the upper
row of Figure 99. The handles of most of these
dishes unscrew, and the cover can be used as a dish
also.
Figure 99 contains many interesting pieces, the
splendid caudle-cups on the lower row, and the quaint
old egg-stand, a pattern once seen on every well-
appointed breakfast-table, standing cheek-by-jowl with
the toast-rack. The two little saltcellars standing on
the same row with the toast-rack were favourites too,
and contained red or blue glass cups to hold the salt.
The tall perforated basket near one of the salts was
for sugar, and also had a glass receptacle in it. There
are two mustard-pots in the row below, the one with
the flat cover being a pattern which was copied in
both pewter and Britannia ware.
190 OLD PEWTER, BRASS, ETC.
I regard as the handsomest pieces of all, those shown
in Figure 100. Note the exquisite chasing on the two
waiters, as well as the heavy moulded borders, which
are of silver. The two cake-baskets speak for them-
selves, and the cover, though not very large, is vastly
more elegant than was common. Two other cake-
baskets very choice specimens, too may be seen in
Figure 94, this style of dish seeming to be one on
which much ornament was lavished. It is a pity such
pretty articles of table furniture are no longer " the
thing."
In its best days Sheffield plate was by no means con-
sidered " second cut," so to speak, for articles made
in it were presented to dignitaries on great and special
occasions. Lord Nelson had an inkstand of Sheffield
plate, which consisted of an oval stand with a perfo-
rated rim which stood up all around, and inside were
two round, plain bottles, one for ink and one for sand.
In the centre was a cup for wafers, and forming a
cover to it was a bell. The admiral used this inkstand
on board the " Elephant," at the battle of Copenhagen
in 1801. There is a little story connected with this
inkstand which the owner of it tells with unction.
Just before the battle a Danish officer came aboard
the flagship, to see if the British admiral had any pro-
posals to make to the king of Denmark. Having
occasion to express his errand in writing, he found
the quills blunt, and, holding one up, is reported to
have said, " If your guns are no better pointed than
your pens, you will make little impression on Copen-
hagen." Later in the day, when the victory was
Fig. 99. TABLE UTENSILS AND CANDLE-CUPS
Fig. 100. CAKE-BASKETS AND TRAYS
SHEFFIELDPLATE 191
practically accomplished, Lord Nelson himself had
occasion to use the inkstand to dictate terms to his
opponents, and the story does not say that he found
any difficulty with the pens. The result of this victory
was the capture of six line-of-battle ships, eight prams,
all of which were either burned or sunk, except the
" Holstein," which was sent home under the charge
of Captain James Clarke, to whom Lord Nelson gave
the inkstand as a memento of the occasion. On it
is engraved, " Admiral Lord Nelson to Captain James
Clarke, H. E. I. C. S." On the handle of the bell is
" Copenhagen, 1801." On the other side is the
monogram of the admiral, H.N. surmounted by a
coronet. It is pleasant to know that this trophy has
never passed out of the hands of the family of Captain
Clarke, and that it is now treasured by one of his
descendants. It was not possible co obtain a photo-
graph of this inkstand, which is in England, and I
think it must have been made on a special order, for
I have never seen any other like it or resembling it.
The collection on which I have drawn most heavily
for illustrating Sheffield plate is that which belongs
to Mr. Henry Coopland, Glossop Road, Sheffield,
England. He has had unusual opportunities for col-
lecting specimens, and he began to gather them before
they had become as popular as they are now. Only a
small part of his immense collection is shown, and it
is known throughout England as the finest one outside
of London. The Viscountess Wolseley is another
great collector, and many of her specimens are marked,
as are Mr. Coopland's, with the best-known names
i 9 2 OLD PEWTER, BRASS, ETC.
of makers of this ware. W. & G. Siddons, whose firm
goes back to 1784, is represented in both collections,
and so are Fenton, Creswick, & Co., and Holy, and
Hoyland. I have often been asked how it is possible
to know Sheffield plate. The copper body is always
one of the sure tests, as well as the silver edges and
mounts, and the presence of the silver shield, which
often stands out boldly when the rest of the silver
is much worn off. You can see it plainly in the tray
on the left hand in Figure 92, and even when the silver
plating is quite intact you can detect the presence of
the shield by breathing upon the place where the crest
or initials are engraved. The moisture will stand
longer on the shield than on the surrounding surface.
The urn in Figure 103 is not a common pattern, yet
it is Sheffield ware, and what our grandmothers would
have called " the best plate." The shield is quite
evident with the lettering and a wreath of ornament
surrounding it ; the beading and lions' heads are of
silver; and the only places where it "bleeds" is on
the base. The coffee was kept hot by the iron piece
inside, and the urn is far handsomer than it looks in
the picture. This urn is owned in New York State,
but I know of another in California, exactly like it,
with the same ornament around the shield, but of
course with different initials, which was brought home
from England by a sea-captain to his wife, as a present
after a prosperous voyage. This was early in 1800,
and it is now owned by the grandson of the original
purchaser.
None of the really old urns had lamps to keep the
Tig. 101. CANDLESTICKS
Fls. 102. TEAPOTS
SHEFFIELDPLATE 193
coffee warm, and those which have were among the
latest pieces of this plate made.
The subject of candlesticks is one of much interest,
for there are so many patterns to be had, some of them
of much beauty, like the one in the centre of Figure
94, which was also an cpcrgnc, down to the bedroom
lights, one of which may be seen in Figure 101. The
one to which I refer in this picture is the small one
standing on the box. It is of Sheffield plate and was
bought within a few months at a sale of an old Eng-
lish manor-house. The tall shade is an ample pro-
vision against drafts, and the extinguisher has a
handle so long that it can be dropped down even if the
candle has burned down quite into the socket. Even
though it has no place here, I should like to mention
that the other stick is one of a pair got at the same time
and place as the little one, and is of solid mahogany,
the shade being of old English ground glass. Nobody
knew how long they had been fixtures in that old
house, but the wood is quite black and has a superb
polish. These candlesticks stand thirty inches high.
The last illustration which I show is what is known
as a venison-dish. The cover rolls back under the
bottom when not in use, and there is a receptacle for
hot water in the bottom. There is a perforated tray
on which the venison is placed, and the whole thing
is a choice piece of work. An ivory button in the
handle stands out so that the cover could be turned
over without burning the fingers. There is a shield
which has never been used.
This piece was secured in America by a collector
194 OLD PEWTER, BRASS, ETC.
who has the gift of finding much that is rare and
beautiful. She can no longer get her things for that
11 song " which was once so proverbial, but pays quite
high prices, since owners have a better idea of the
value of what they wish to sell. Besides having much
old furniture, pewter, plate, and glass, she has a col-
lection of eighteen mirrors, those delightful old things
with pictures painted in the upper panels. Some of
these mirrors are in mahogany frames, some in gilt,
some combine the two, but all of them are handsome,
one or two are elegant, and all are desirable. When
you point out to her that she has far too many for her
own good, she always answers that when she has
twenty-four she is going to stop, and that then per-
haps she will part with some. She has collected so
much that she has got the speech, no one ever " sells "
an antique ; they always " part " with it.
Among the small things in good old plate which are
not uncommon in America are snuff-boxes and patch-
boxes. I come across them frequently, and they are
almost always examples of choice work. There were
some manufacturers in Sheffield who made nothing
but these small articles, and as it was so much the mode
to take snuff, every one with any pretensions to style
had to have one. Among the advertisements in our
old papers I do not find any allusions to Sheffield
plate. The term " plate " is sometimes used, but in
England this refers to silver, not to plated ware, and
1 have taken it for granted that the advertisers meant
the solid ware, as they were in most cases merchants
from London. There is one article which we know
Fig. 103. COFFEE-URN
Fig. 104. VENISON DISH
SHEFFIELDPLATE 195
was much esteemed during the times of the Georges,
when this old plate was in its prime, which I
do not find mentioned in any list of articles made
at Sheffield, nor have I ever seen an old one, though
modern examples are plenty. That is a punch-bowl.
That there were plenty of them is true, but they seem
to have been made of silver or china, and there are
a number of very rich silver ones to be found among
the old families in America.
Another article small, this time, is to be found
very rarely. It is also connected with the flowing
bowl, and by its means it was possible for the traveller
at any time to have a cup of negus, or any other of
those spiced drinks with which our ancestors were
wont to solace themselves. This small article was
a nutmeg-holder, or spice-box. It was trifling in size,
with a lid the interior of which was rough enough for
the nutmeg to be grated upon it. No drink from
"Bishop's Sleeves" to " Oxford night-caps" but had
its final touch added by the spice-box, and these pretty
trifles of Sheffield or sterling silver were popular
enough with the fashionable blade, who regarded him-
self as quite a la mode when he had his spice-box in one
pocket and his snuff-box in the other.
The spice-box, the snuff-box, and the patch-box
have long since lost their usefulness, but we treasure
them the more for the pictures they bring to the
mind's eye of those brave old days under the Georges.
SHEFFIELD MANUFACTURERS OF
CLOSE PLATE
FROM THE LATTER PART OF THE EIGHTEENTH
CENTURY TO 1845
ASH WORTH, ELLIS & Co.
BANBURY, THOMAS, Norfolk St.
ELLIOTT, THOMAS, Jehu Lane
ELLIS, THOMAS, Norfolk St.
FENTON, CRESWICK & Co., Mulberry St.
GREAVES, JOHNABAB, Snuff-box Maker
HANCOCK, ROWBOTTOM & Co.
HOLY, DANIEL, WILKINSON & Co., Mulberry St.
HOYLAND, JOHN & Co., Mulberry St.
KIRK, JOSEPH, Mulberry St.
LAW, THOMAS & Co., Norfolk St.
MARGRAVE, MARSDEN & Co.
MARSDEN, WILLIAM
MARTON, THOMAS
ROBERTS, EYRE, BELDON & Co., Union St.
ROWBOTTOM, I. & Co.
TONKS, WILLIAM
TUDOR & LEADER, Sycamore Hill
WILSON, JAMES
WINTER, PEARSON & HALL
W. & G. SISSONS. 1784. WALKER, KNO\VLES & Co.
FENTON, CRESWICK & Co.
WATSON
(now W. PADLEY & SONS)
* *
HENRY WILKINSON & Co. SOHO PLATE, BIRMINGHAM.
DANIEL HOLLY & Co. BOULTON, BIRMINGHAM,
APPENDIX
APPENDIX
The following lists have been compiled from Masse's " Pewter
Plate " ; Welch's " List of Freemen " ; Touch-Plates in Pewterers'
Hall ; Wood's " Scottish Pewter " ; and from many specimens
of ware.
MARKS AND NAMES FOUND ON FOREIGN
PEWTER
Brussels
Gothic B, crowned, in a
shield
St. Michael and the Dragon
in a beaded circle
Six-petalled rose, crowned
G. Pierre, Bruxelles, in oval
with two stars
J. B. Y., with crowned rose
(Eighteenth century)
Lille
Albert et Mulie a Lille
Liege
Angel in oval
Rose with L. L.
Antwerp
Arms with hand
Rose alone or crowned
Joseph Berton, 1777
M. A. Hagen's Blok Zinn
Germany
Melchior Koch
Nuremberg
Jorg Christian, 1550
Nicholas Horcheimer, 1570
Melchior Horcheimer, 1583
Paulus Bohem, 1585
Sebaldus Renter, 1611
Michael Rossner, 1620
Lorenz Appel, 1630
France
Paris marks:
An angel with " Paris " in
crown
Crowned rose
Fleur-de-lys
French makers of pewter :
Jehan de Montrousti, 1400
Jehan Lampene, 1484
Hector Drouet, 1487
Jehan Anot, 1555
Christofle Fromont, 1668,
Pewterer to the King
Guillaume Couetteau, 1677
Geoffroy et Helot, 1745
Renaud et Cie, 1760
Boileau fils, 1772
Parain, 1789
201
202
APPENDIX
LIST OF ENGLISH PEWTERERS
FROM 1500 TO 1600
Abraham, Henry, 1571
After ton, John, 1506
Alexander, Paul, 1516
Anayson, John, 1523
Ashlyn, Lawrence, 1559
Astlyn, John, 1514
Astlyn, Lawrence, 1504
Astlyn, Walter, 1534
Baker, William, 1558
Barker, John, 1585
Baxter, John, 1513
Bennett, Ph., 1542
Beswick, Thomas, 1533
Blackwell, Thomas, 1547
Boultinge, John, 1575
Burton, John, 1513
Cacher, Edward, 1556
Gallic, William, 1510
Carnadyne, Alex., 1595
Car^-ye, John, 1543
Catcher, John, 1585
Chamberlayn, Thos., 1517
Chawner, Robt, 1573
Chyld, John., 1534
Clark, Henry, 1555
Clark, Thos., 1543
Crostwayt, Rich., 1541
Crostwayte, Nich., 1557
Crowe, Wm., 1512
Crowson, John, 1586
Curtis, Thos., 1538
Curtis, Wm., 1573
Curtys, Peter, 1525
Curtys, William, 1566
Draper, James, 1508
Droke, William, 1528
Dropwell, Robt., 1570
Eastwell, Abraham, 1591
Elyot, Thos., 1579
Emmeston, Wm., 1591
Fenn, George, 1588
Ferner, John, 1595
Flood, John, 1537
Foster, Boniface, 1574
Foull, Thos., 1541
Gardner, Allyn, 1578
Gartwell, Abraham, 1595
Gasker, Percival, 1593
Goodman, Philip, 1596
Greenfell, George, 1579
Haroye, John, 1555
Harper, Edward, 1572
Hawcliff, Symon, 1568
Hawke, Thomas, 1588
Hawkins, Stephen, 1543
Haynes, William, 1560
Heythwaite, Mighell, 1553
Hustwaite, Robt, 1571
Hustwayte, Wm., 1548
Hyll, Wm., 1599
Hylyngworth, Clement, 1553
Isade, Roger, 1569
Jackson, John, 1589
Jann, Thos., 1535
APPENDIX
203
Jardeine, Nicholas, 1573
Jaxon, William, 1512
King, Richard, 1593
Langtoft, Nicholas, 1524
Langtoft, Robt, 1519
Loton, William, 1567
Machyn, Thos., 1539
Makyns, Walter, 1554
Mannynge, Rich., 1574
Mansworth, Thos., 1585
Mathewe, John, 1569
Mears, William, 1598
Mills, Nicholas, 1534
Mylls, William, 1564
Newes, Robt., 1578
Nicholls, Thos., 1566
Nixon, Robt, 1589
Nogay, Thos., 1580
Norton, John, 1583
Onton, John, 1513
Outlawe, Thos., 1504
Pecke, Nicholas, 1548
Pecok, Thos., 1511
Pecok, William, 1510
Perkyns, Rich., 1593
Ponder, Simon, 1555
Redman, William, 1574
FROM
W. A., 1663
W. A., 1682
Abbott, John, 1693
Adams, Henry, 1692
Adams., Nath., 1692
Adams, Robt., 1667
Renston, John, 1527
Reo, Edward, 1582
Rowe, William, 1507
Rowlandson, Stephen, 1563
Roysdon, John, 1526
Royston, John, 1558
Scott, Rich., 1562
Sherwyn, John (i), 1547
Sherwyn, John (2), 1578
Steward, John, 1595
Stode, Joseph, 1530
Straye, Ralph, 1587
Taylor, Richard, 1524
Taylor, Robt, 1551
Thompson, R., 1576
Thurgood, John, 1503
Urswyke, Thos., 1533
Waddoce, Thos., 1565
Wargnyer, Rich., 1561
Waryng, John, 1555
Whytbe, Thos., 1551
Williamson, Rich., 1553
Willis, Nich., 1529
Wilson, John, 1502
Wood, Robert, 1551
Wood, Thos., 1592
Wood, William, 1589
Wynsley, John, 1525
1600 TO 1700
Adams, William, 1671
Alder, Thos., 1667
Allen, John, 1671
Allen, Richard, 1668
Angell, Philemon, 1691
Archer, William, 1653
204
APPENDIX
Atlee, W., 16
Austin, Samuel, 1693
Austin, William, 1677
Aylife, William, 1667
D. B., 1670
I. B., 1665
I. B., 1699
Baker, Samuel, 1678
Balleson, Thos., 1667
Barrow, Richard, 1667
Barton, Dan., 1678
Baskerville, John, 1695
Bateman, John, 1670
Beard, Sampson, 1691
Bearsley, Job, 1678
Bennett, John (i), 1653
Bennett, John (2), 1679
Bennett, William, 1662
Benton, Ralph, 1681
Blackwell, Daniel, 16
Blagrave, Wm., 1664
Blunt, John, 1681
Bonkin, Jonathan, 16
Bowyer, William, 1642
Boyden, Benj., 16
Bradstead, H., 16
Braiisford, Peter, 1667
Brettell, James, 16
Brill, Henry, 16
Brocklesby, Peter (1), 1629
Brocklesby, Peter (2), 1637
Brocklesby, Peter (3), 1667
Brooks, John, 1637
Brooks, Rich., 1667
Browne, Martin, 16
Byran, Edgerton, 16
Bull, John, 1678
Bullevant, Jas., 1667
Burt, Luke, 16
Burt, Thos., 1630
Burton, William, 1685
Butcher, Gabriel, 1633
Butcher, Robt., 1639
Butcher, Thos., 1652
Buxton, Robt, 1619
Byrd, John, 1654
B. C, 1651
C C, 1672
G. C, 1676
T. C., 1663
W. C, 1663
Cambridge, Job, 1687
Campion, John, 1662
Carter, Thos., 1648
Castle, John, 16
Chassey, Jos., 1650
Chesslin, Rich., 1682
Chester, Geo., 1628
Childe, John, 1643
Claridge, Benj., 1672
Clark, John, 1667
Cliffe, Thomas, 1639
Clyffe, John, 1602
Cock, Humphrey, 1670
Cole, Benj., 1683
Cole, Jeremiah, 1692
Collier, Nich., 1604
Collyer, Rich., 1669
Cooper, Benj., 1684
Coursey, John, 1667
Co wd well, John, 1620
Cowes, Henry, 1640
Cowes, Thomas, 1605
Cowley, William, 1695
Cowyer, Nicholas, 1607
Cox, John, 1679
Cox, Richard, 1656
Cranley, Charles, 16
APPENDIX
205
Crookes, William, 16
Cropp, William, 1667
Cross, William (i), 1659
Cross, William (2), 1668
E. D., 1672
F. D., 1672
I. D., 1668
R. D., 1677
W. D., 1668
Davis, Rich., 1664
Dawes, Rich., 1652
Dawkins, Pollisargiis, 1628
Dickenson, Thos., 1669
Dimocke, William, 16
Diston, Giles, 1667
Ditch, William, 1669
Drinkwater, Timothy, 1676
Drury, John, 1673
Duffield, Peter (i), 1672
Duffield, Peter (2), 1697
Dunne, Rich., 1696
Dunninge, Thos. (*), 1604
Dunning, Thos. (2), 1617
Durand, Jonas, 1699
Duxell, Rich., 1616
Dyer, Lawrence, 1675
Dyer, William, 1667
B. E., 1664
G. E., 1663
I. E., 1686
Eames, Rich., 1697
Elliot, Thos., 1604
A. F., 1646
H. F., 1668
Fly, William, 1691
Fox, Edward, 1617
Freeman, Henry, 1669
French, John, 1687
Fullham, Andrew, 1614
Fullham, John, 1637
Gavokeford, 1601
Gilbert, Edw., 1662
Gisborne, Robert, 1691
Glover, Edw., 1620
Glover, Henry, 1620
Glover, Richard, 1606
Glover, Roger, 1615
Godfrey, Stephen, 1679
Graham, Basill, 16
Grainger, William, 1638
Graunt, Joseph, 1659
Graves, Francis, 1629
Green, William, 1684
Gregg, Robt, 1683
Gregg, Thos., 1671
Groome, Randell, 1624
Gruwin, Gabriel, 1693
I. H., 1663
R. H., 1664
T. H., 1676
Hadley, Isaac, 1668
Hale, Geo., 1675
Hamilton, Alexander, 1646
Hand, Samuel, 16
Harding, Robert, 1668
Harendon, , 1664
Harford, Henry, 1696
Hartshorne, Michael, 1693
Hatch, Henry, 16
Hatfield, Wm., 1627
Haveland, Miles, 1664
Haward, Thos. 0), 1666
Haward, Thos. (2), 1667
Hawkes, Edw., 1667
Heath, Edw., 1656
206
APPENDIX
Heath, John, 1618
Heath, Richard, 1699
Henson, Thomas, 1614
Hickling, Thomas, 1698
Hicks, Thomas, 1698
Hill, Hough, 1625
Hill, William, 1672
Hills, William, 1636
Hodges, Jos., 1667
Hodgkis, Arthur, 1635
Hollford, Stepherr, 1668
Holt, John, 16
Hopkins, Jos., 1667
Howell, Ralph, 1623
Hull, Thos., 1650
Hulls, Ralph, 1682
Hunton, Nich., 1670
Hurdman, Wm., 1622
Hyatt, Humphrey, 1681
Hyll, Walter, 1601
E. I., 1675
H. I., 1675
I. I., 1666
R. L, 1696
lies, Rich., 1697
Ingles, John, 1678
Ingole, Dan., 1688
Jackson, Sam'l, 1684
Jackson, Thos., 1660
Jackson, William, 1668
Jacobs, John, 1663
Jacomb, Josiah, 1675
Jarrett, John, 1656
Johnson, John, 1666
Jones, James, 1628
Jones, Owen, 1647
Jones, Robt, 1667
Jones, Thos., 1632
Jones, William, 1676
T. K., 1672
Kelk, James, 1687
Kelke, Nicholas, 1665
Kent, William, 1623
King, Abraham, 1693
King, Thomas, 1687
Knight, Francis, 1692
Knowles, Tobias, 1664
I. L., 1663
I. L., 1684
Lackford, John, 1664
Langford, William, 1679
Langley, Adam, 1680
Larkin, Francis, 1685
Lawrence, Stephen, 1684
Lea, Francis, 1664
Leach, Thomas, 1691
Leapidge, Edward, 1699
Leapidge, Thomas, 1696
Leeson, John, 1680
Leeson, Robert, 1648
Lock, Robert, 1692
Long, Sefton, 1680
Long (2), Sefton, 1692
Lucas, Robert, 1667
A. M., 1679
I. M., 1662
N. M., 1640
W. M., 1666
Mabbes, Sam'l, 1685
Major, John, 1657
Mann, John, 1688
Marsh, Ralph, 1662
Marsh (2), Ralph, 1679
Marshall, Thomas, 16
APPENDIX
207
Marten, Robert, 1674
Mason, John, 1695
Mason, Richard, 1679
Mathews, Peter, 1632
Mathews, William, 1689
Mathews, William, 1699
Maundrill, Richard, 1693
Mayor, Anthony, 1668
Meares, John, 1657
Meares, Ralfe, 1643
Meggot, George, 1655
Mellett, Rich., 1660
Mills, Nathan, 1668
Milton, Wheeler, 1650
Mitchell, John, 1619
Modson, Richard, 1667
Molton, John, 1665
Momford, John, 1641
Moulins, Robt., 1676
Mullins, R., 1647
Munns, Nathaniel, 1667
I. N., 1678
Needham, Thos., 1665
Newman, Michael, 1652
Newman, Michael, Jr., 1670
Newman, Thos., 1660
Newnam, Thos., 1642
Newton, Hugh, 1616
F. P., 1680
I. P-, 1693
P. P., 1668
W. P., 1663
W. P., 1698
Page, John, 1697
Paine, , 1661
Palmer, Roger, 1642
Paltock, John, 1627
Parke, Peter, 1666
Parker, Joseph, 1679
Parrett, Thomas, 1600
Pauling, Henry, 1659
Paxton, William, 1696
Ferris, Henry, 1678
Peltiver, William, 1679
Philips, James, 1651
Piddle, Joseph, 1685
Pight, Henry, 1678
Platt, Thomas, 1619
Porter, Luke, 1679
Powell, Ralph, 1621
Priest, Peter, 1667
Pritchard, Polydore, 1649
Procter, Francis, 1631
Pycroft, Walter, 1624
I. R., 1676
N. R., 1679
O. R., 1676
Rack, Charles, 1691
Randall, Lewis, 1609
Raper, Christopher, 1694
Rawlins, William, 1668
Reade, Simon, 1660
Redding, Theodore, 1687
Redhead, Anthony, 1695
Redhead, Gabriel, 1689
Relfe, Edward, 16
Renton, John. 1687
Reynolds, Thos., 1669
Ricroft, Walter, 1622
Ridding, Theophilus, 1679
Ridding, Thomas, 1697
Roaffe, George, 1600
Roberts, Oliver, 1644
Roberts, William, 1618
Robins, John, 1638
Royston, Ambrose, 1609
Royston, , 1620
208
APPENDIX
Rudd, Anthony, 1629
Rudsby, Andrew, 1692
Russell, Thomas, 1611
I. S., 1685
R. S., 1669
T. S., 1663
Scott, Benj., 1656
Seabright, Charles, 1685
Seddon, Charles, 1669
Seears, Roger, 1651
Seeling. John, 1656
Shackle, Thos., 1686
Shath, Thos., 1680
Sheppard, Robt, 1619
Sherman, Richard, 1693
Shurmes, Richard, 1641
Siar, William, 1640
Silk, John, 1658
Simkin, James, 1659
Singleton, Lewis, 1615
Skinn, John, 1679
Skinner, John, 1670
Smackergill, Wm., 1610
Smalpiece, Rich., 16
Smite, George, 1672
Smith, George, 1623
Smith, John, 1656
Smith, Thomas, 1669
Smith (2), Thomas, 1689
Smithe, Thomas, 1631
Smyth, Geo., 1660
Snow, Samuel, 1681
Staples, Richard, 1623
Stev.enton, Richard, 1608
Steward, John, 1600
Steward (2), John, 1634
Steward, John, 1641
Steward, Rowland, 1694
Steward, Thomas, 1692
Steward, Toby, 1630
Stone, Howard, 1698
Stribblehill, Thos., 1693
Sturt, Walter, 1679
Sweeting, Charles, 1658
Sweeting (2), Charles, 1685
Sweeting, Henry, 1646
Sweeting, John, 1661
H. T., 1680
I. T., 1698
R. T., 1668
Taylor, Abraham, 1651
Taudin, James, 1679
Teale, John, 1690
Templeman, Thomas, 1697
Thorogood, Nicholas, 1634
Titterton, Robert, 1698
Tough, Charles, 1667
Tough (2), Charles, 1689
Turner, Nicholas, 1606
Turner, Stephen, 1694
W. V., 1678
Vernon, Rich., 1650
Vile, Thomas, 1675
Vincent, John, 1685
A. W., 1698
R. W., 1692
R. W., 1677
W. W., 1662
Walker, John, 1617
Webb, Christopher, 1669
Webb, Richard, 1699
Westcott, Henry, 1640
Wetwood, Katherine, 1633
Whitaker, Benj., 16
White, Joseph, 1658
APPENDIX
209
Wiggin, Henry, 1690
Willett, Richard, 1666
Winchcombe, Thomas. 1697
Withebed, Richard, 1678
Withers, William, 1667
Witter, Samuel, 1682
Wood, John, 1612
Woodford, John, 1669
Woodward, Robert, 1699
Wycherley, Thos., 1626
FROM 1700 TO 1800
Abbott, Thomas, 1792
Ackland, Thomas, 1728
Alderson, John, 1771
Alderwick, Richard, 17
Allanson, Edward, 1702
Allen, James, 1740
Ames, Thomas, 17
Appleton, Henry, 1751
Appleton, John, 1779
Altergood, Thomas, 1700
Atwood, William, 1736
Babb, Bernard, 17
Bache, Richard, 17
Bacon, George, 1746
Bacon, Thomas, 17
Bailey, John, 1789
Bampton, William, 1785
Barber, Nathan, 1782
Barker, Joseph, 1797
Barker, Samuel, 1786
Barlow, John, 17
Barnes, Thomas, 1738
Barren, Robt., 1786
Basnet, Nathaniel, 1777
Bathhurst, John, 1715
Bearsley, Allinson, 1711
Bearsley, Job, 1711
Beaumont, W., 17
Beckett, Thos., 1715
Beckon, Thos., 17
Beeston, Geo., 1756
Belson, John, 1748
Bemsley, Edward, 1749
Bennett & Chapman, 17
Bennett, Thomas, 17
Benson, John, 1740
Bishop, James, 17
Blake, John, 1783
Bland, John, 1734
Blenman, John, 17
Boardman, Thomas, 1746
Boos, Samuel, 1715
Boost, James, 1758
Borman, Robt., 1701
Boteter, John, 1748
Bourchier, Cleeve, 1736
Bowley, Henry, 17
Box, Edward, 1745
Bradstreet, Richard, 17
Brick & Villars, 1747
Bromfield, John, 17
Brown, Richard, 1731
Brown & Swanson, 17
Broxup, Rich., 1793
Buckby, Thomas, 1716
Budden, David, 17
Bullock, James, 1752
Bullock (2), James, 1758
Burford, Thos., 1779
Burford & Green, 17
Burges, Thos., 17
Buttery, Thos., 17
210
APPENDIX
I. C, 1723
Caney, Jos., 1748
Carpenter, Henry, 1786
Carpenter, John, 1739
Carpenter & Hamberers, 17
Carter, Sam'l, 1794
Cartwright, Thos., 1745
Cator, John, 1752
Chamberlain, Thos., 1765
Charlesby, Wm., 1764
Chawner, Wm., 1761
Child, Lawrence, 1702
Clack, Richard, 1754
Claridge, Charles, 1758
Claridge, Joseph, 1739
Clark, John, 1788
Clark, Thomas, 1711
Clarke, Samuel, 1732
Clarke, William, 1750
Clarke & Greening, 17
Cleeve, Alex., 1719
Cleve, Edward, 1743
Clements, John, 1782
Cole, Richard, 17
Collett, Thos., 1737
Collier, Richard, 1737
Collins, Sam'l, 1768
Cooch, Wm., 1782
Cook, Wm., 1707
Cooke & Freeman, 17
Cooke, Edw., 1701
Cotton, Jonathan, 1750
Cotton (2), Jonathan, 1759
Cotton, Thomas, 1778
Cowley, John, 1736
Cowley, Wm., 1734
Cowling, Wm., 17
Cox, Wm., 17
Cripps, Mark, 1762
Crossfield, Robt, 1707
Cud ley, Robt., 17
Curd, Thos., 1756
T. D., 1732
Darling, Thos., 1758
Davis, John, 1747
Deane, Robert, 17
De Jersey, Wm., 1773
Digges, Wm., 17
Dodson, Thomas, 1775
Donne, John, 1727
Donne, Joseph, 1740
Dove, John, 1713
Drinkwater, Richard, 17
Durand, Jonas, 1726
Durand (2), Jonas, 1763
Dyer, John, 1703
Dyer, Lawrence, 1726
I. K, 1714
Eden, William, 1737
Edwards, John, 17
Egan, Andrew, 1783
Elderton, John, 1731
Ellicott, Earth, 17
Elliot, , 1746
Ellis, John, 1770
Ellis, Samuel, 1748
Ellis, William, 17
Ellwood, Wm., 1733
Elwick, Henry, 17
Ernes, John, 1700
Emmerton, Thos., 1736
Engley, Arthur, 17
Evat, Thos., 1797
Ewsters, Thomas, 1753
Farmer, John, 1736
Farson, John, 1745
Fasson, John, 1762
APPENDIX
211
Fasson, Wm., 1787
Field, Edward, 1771
Fieldar, Henry, 17
Fletcher, Richard, 1701
Floyd, John, 1787
Fly, Timothy, 1739
Fly & Thompson, 1740
Fontain, James, 1786
Ford, Abram, 1719
Ford, John, 1772
Foster, John, 17
Franklyn, Richard, 1730
Frith, Thomas, 17
Fryer, John, 1710
I. G., 1765
Gale, Rich., 17
Giffin, Thomas, 1766
Giles, Wm., 1769
Gillam, Everard, 17
Glover & Annison, 17
Goater, Thos., 1758
Gooch, William, 17
Grant, Edward, 1741
Green, Jas., 1778
Green, Wm., 1737
Greenwood, Thos., 17
Grendon, Daniel, 1700
Grigg, Sam'l, 17
Groce, Thos., 17
Groves, Edmund, 1773
Grunwin, Rich., 1729
Gwilt, 1709
Gwyn, Bacon, 1709
H. H., 1709
W. H., 1709
Hagshaw, Rich., 17
Hammerton, Henry, 1733
Hamond, Geo., 1709
Hancock, Samuel, 1714
Handy, Wm., 1746
Harris, Jabez, 1734
Harrison, Wm., 17
Hasselborne, Jacob, 1722
Hawkins, Thomas, 17
Hayton, John, 17
Healy, William, 17
Heath, John, 1720
Herne, Daniel, 1767
Highmore, Wm., 1742
Higley, Samuel, 17
Hinde, John, 1796
Hislopp, Rich., 17
Hitchins, John, 1786
Hitchman, James, 1716
Hitchman (2), James, 1761
Hoare, Thos., 1728
Hoi ley, John, 1706
Holman, Ary, 1790
Holmes, George, 1746
Home, John, 1771
Hone, Wm., 1713
Hosier, Joseph, 1700
Howard, Wm., 1702
Hubbard, Robt, 1717
Hudson, John, 17
Hulls, John, 1709
Hulls, Wm, 1744
Hume, Geo., 17
Hutchins, Wm, 1732
Hux, Thomas, 1739
Hux, William, 1728
F. I, 1713
I. I, 1700
lies, John, 1709
lies, Nath, 1719
lies, Robt, 1735
212
APPENDIX
Jackman, Nicholas, 1735
Jackson, John, 1712
Jackson (2), John, 1731
James, Anthony, 1713
Jeffreys, Joseph, 17
Jeffreys, Sam'l, 1739
Jenner, A., 1700
Jennings, Theodore, 1741
Johnson, Luke, 1723
Johnson & Chamberlain, 17-
Jones, Clayton, 1746
Jones, John, 1750
Jones, Seth, 17
Joseph, Henry, 1771
Jupe, John, 1761
Jupe, Robt, 1737
T. K., 1709
Kendrick, John, 1754
Kent, John, 1749
Kenton, John, 1711
King, Joseph, 1709
King, Richard, 1746
King (2;, Richard, 1796
King, Robt, 1711
King, W. H., 1786
Laffar, John, 1720
Lamb, Joseph, 1738
Langford, John, 1757
Langley, John, 17
Law, Sam'l, 1700
Lawrence, Edw., 17
Lawrence, John, 1723
Lawson, Daniel, 17
Leach, Jonathan, 17
Leach, Thomas, 1747
Leapidge, Edw., 1724
Leapidge, 1 hos., 1763
Leggatt, James, 1755
Leggatt, R., 1746
Lindsay, J., 17
Little, Henry, 1755
Loader, Chas., 17
Lockwood, E'dw., 1790
Long, William, 1707
N. M., 1782
Mart, John, 17
Masham, Hugh, 1713
Massam, Robt., 1740
Mathews, Edw., 1728
Mathews, James, 1746
Mathews, Philip, 1743
Mathews, Wm., 1741
Maxey, Chas., 1752
Maxted, Henry, 17
Meadows, Wm., 17
Meakin, Nath., 1768
Merefield, Ed., 17
Middleton, Leon, 1752
Miles, Wm., 17
Millin, Wm., 1786
Mitchell, John, 1755
Morse, Robt, 1709
Moulins, Robt., 1704
Moxon, Samuel, 1799
Mudge, Walter, 1793
Munday, Trios. , 1767
Munden, Wm., 1771
Murray, Wm., 17
Nash, Edw., 1738
Newham, John, 1731
Newham, Wm., 1727
Nettlefold, Wm., 1799
Newman, Rich., 1753
Nicholls, Thomas, 1786
Nicholson, Jas., 1730
Nicholson, Robt, 1725
APPENDIX
213
Norfolk, Jos., 1764
Norfolk, Rich., 1776
North, George, 1703
O'Neal, Richard, 1728
Osborne, John, 1715
Oudley, Robt, 1725
H. P., 1707
T. P., 1700
Padden, Thomas, 1705
Pandal, John, 17
Parker, Dan, 1710
Parr, Robt., 1767
Partridge, Richard, 17
Patience, Robt, 1772
Pattison, Simon, 1733
Pawson, Richard, 17
Peacock, Samuel, 1785
Peacock, Thomas, 1783
Peake, Richard, 1700
Peircy, Robert, 1760
Peisley, George, 1719
Peisley, Thomas, 17
Pender, Charles, 17
Perchard, Hellier, 1745
Perchard, Sam'l, 1752
Perry, John, 1773
Peter, John, 1714
Phillips, Wm., 1783
Phipps, Wm., 17
Pidgwin, John, 1785
Piggott, Francis, 1770
Piggott, John, 1738
Piggott, Thomas, 1725
Pilkington, Robt., 1709
Pitt, Richard, 1781
Pitt & Dadley, 1780
Pitt & Floyd, 178-
Pole, Robt., 1748
Poole, Richard, 1746
Porteous, Robt., 1790
Porteous, Thos., 1765
Powell, Thos., 1706
Pratt, Joseph, 1720
Price, John, 1781
Priddle, Samuel, 1798
Prince, John, 17
Ptileston, James, 17
Pullen, Sam'l, 1714
Quick, Edward, 1756
Quick (2), Edward, 1772
Quick, Hugh, 1708
J. E. R., 178-
Raindell, Charles, 17
Randall, Edward, 1711
Read, Isaac, 17
Redknap, Peter, 1720
Reynolds, Robt., 1767
Rhodes, Thos., 1746
Richards, Timothy, 17
Ridding, Joseph, 1735
Ridgley, Wm., 1731
Righton, Samuel, 1737
Roberts, Philip, 1753
Robins, James, 1725
Rogers, Phillip, 17
Rolt, John, 17
Rooke, Richard, 1777
Rose, Samuel, 1701
Rowles, Thomas, 1732
Rudsey, Andrew, 17
I. S., 1703
I. S., 1726
W. S., 1706
Sandys, Wm., 1703
Savage, John, 1741
214
APPENDIX
Savage (2), John, 1758
Scarlet, Thos., 1765
Scatchard, Robert, 1761
Scattergood, Thos., 1733
Seabroke, Robert, 1/94
Seawell, Edward, 1797
Sellon, John, 17
Sewdley, Henry, 1738
Shackle, Thos., 1701
Sharrock, Edmund, 1742
Sharwood, James, 1776
Shaw, James, 1796
Sheppard, Thos., 17
Sherwin, Joseph, 17
Shorey, Earth, 1747
Shorey, John, 1711
Shorey (2), John, 1720
Sidby, Edw., 17
Silk, John, 1700
Skynmer, Robert, 17
Slaughter, Richard, 1742
Smalley, Sam'l, 1701
Smallman, Arthur, 17
Smith, Anthony, 1702
Smith, Charles, 1789
Smith, Geo., 1795
Smith, John, 1709
Smith, Joseph, 1706
Smith, Richard, 1705
Smith, Sam'l, 1753
Smith, William, 1799
Smith & Leapidge, 1750
Snape, William, 17
Spackman, Jas., 1742
Spackman, Joseph, 1761
Spackman & Co., 1765
Spackman & Grant, 176
Sparrow, Francis, 1746
Spateman, Sam'l, 1750
Spooner, Rich., 1749
Spring, Penry, 17
Spring, Thomas, 1720
Stafford, Geo., 1740
Stanley, Francis, 1722
Starkey, Joseph, 1748
Steevens, James, 1754
Stevens, James, 1774
Stevens, Philip, 1716
Stevens, Thos., 1732
Stevens, William, 1710
Stiles, John, 1730
Stout, Alex., 17
Strong, Francis, 1746
Sturton, Anthony, 1702
Summers, John, 1747
Swanson, Thomas, 1777
Sweeting, Chas., 1717
Taylor, Geo., 1783
Taylor, Sam'l, 1748
Taylor, Thos., 1704
Thomas, Walter, 1756
Thompson, Thos., 17
Thompson, William, 1738
Tidmarsh, James, 1750
Tidmarsh, Thos., 1721
Tilyard, John, 1752
Tisoe, James, 1764
Tisoe, John, 1774
Toms, Edward, 1783
Tonkin, Mathew, 1749
Townsend, John, 1748
Townsend & Compton, 1750
Trahern, Edw., 1712
Tribblewell, Thos., 17
Tumberville, Dawbeny, 1714
Ubly, Edward, 1727
Ubly, Thos., 1751
Underwood, Mathew, 1752
APPENDIX 215
G. V., 1712 Wilks, Rich., 17
Vaughn, John, 1792 Willey, Mary, 17
Williams, John, 17
I. W., 1715 Wingood, John, 1766
W. W., 1721 Wingood, Joseph, 1767
Walmsley, John, 1712 Winter, George, 17
Warkman, Rich., 1727 Withers, Benj., 1730
Watson, Joseph, 17 Wood, Henry, 1786
Watterer, Thos., 1709 Wood, Robt, 1701
Watts, John, 1760 Wood, Wm., 1744
Watts (2) John, 1780 Wood & Hill, 17
Webb, Joseph, 1726 Wood & Mitchell, 17
Webb, Thomas, 17 Woodeson, John, 17
Welford, James, 1754 Wright, John, 1743
Welford, John, 1788 . Wright, Joseph, 17
Westwood, Joseph, 1706 Wright, Wm., 1772
Wheeler, Thos., 17 Wynn, John, 1763
White, Rich., 1729
White & Bernard, 17 Yates, Lawrence, 1757
White, Wm., 1743 Yates, Rich., 1783
Whittle, Francis, 1731 Yewen, John, 17
Wiggins, Abram, 17 Yorke, Edw., 1772
FROM 1800 TO 1847
Alderson, Geo., 1817 Cocks, Sam'l, 1819
Arden, John, 1821 Collins, Dan'l, 1805
Ashley, James, 1824 Collins (2), Dan'l, 1812
Ashley, T. J. T., 1824 Collins, Jas., 1811
Compton, Thos., 1807
Bache, Richard, 1804 Cooper, Geo., 1819
Bagshaw, Richard, 1809 Cooper, Rich, 1818
Bagshaw, Thomas, 1810 Cooper, Thos., 1838
Barnett, Robt, 1815
Basnett, John, 1821 Dackombe, Aquila, 1818
Bathhurst, John, 1800 Dadley, Edwd, 1804
Blake, John, 1832
Bowring, Cha,, 1820 Fasson, Benj., 1815
Hurt, Andrew, 1802 -Tn ^ ^
Field, Dan'l S, 1830
Carter, Jos, 1812 Fisher, Paul, 18
216
APPENDIX
Gibbs, Wm.,
Godfrey, Jos. Hen., 18
Grainge, John, 1816
Grattan, Joseph, 1839
Groome, Wm., 18
Hall, John, 1810
Hall (2), John, 1823
Hinde, John, 1800
Hodge, Robt. P., 1802
Hudson, John, 1804
Hurst, Richard, 1826
Jackson, R., 1801
Joseph, Rich., 1805
Mister, Rich., 1827
Morning, Randall, 1821
Moser, Roger, 1806
Mourgue, Fulcrand, 1807
Mullens, John, 1805
Palmer, Ebenezer, 1818
Palmer, Rich., 1822
Parker, Wm., 1809
Perry, John, 1808
Phillips, John, 1815
Phillips, Thos., 1817
Pierce, Jas. H., 1825
Potter, George, 1831
Reeve, John, 1818
Reeve, Joseph, 1807
Reeve, Wm., 1833
Robinson, G., 1808
Robinson (2), G., 1818
Ruffin, Thomas, 1808
Sansbry, Wm., 1810
Smith, Isaac, 1813
Stanton, Robt, 1818
Staples, Henry, 1817
Taylor, Ebenezer, 1847
Toulmin, Geo., 1805
Tovey, Wm., 1801
Towers, , 1807
Towers, , 1809
Weaver, Wm., 1801
SCOTTISH PEWTERERS
FROM 1600 TO 1700
Abernethie, Wm., 1649
Andersone, Robt, 1697
Borthwick, Andrew, 1620
Bowal, Robt, 1621
Bryce, Jas., 1654
Burnbell, Robt, 1633
Burns, Robt., 1694
Christie, Wm., 1652
Cortyne, Thos., 1630
Coutie, Wm., 1619
Edgar, Thos., 1654
Edgar, Robt., 1684
Gledstane, Geo. (i), 1610
Gledstane, Geo. (2), 1634
Gowat, Robt, 1621
Graham, Alexr., 1654
Guld, John, 1677
APPENDIX 217
Hamiltone, Wm., 1630 Napier, John, 1666
Harvie, John, 1643
Harvie, Jas., 1654
Harvie, Wm. (i), 1672 Ramsay, John, 1659
Hernie, Jas., 1651
Herrin, Jas., 1686 Scott, John, 1621
Herrin, Jas., 1692 Sibbald, Alex., 1613
Herrin, John, 1686 Sibbald, Jas., 1631
Hunter, Alex., 1682 Simpsone, Robt, 1631
Somervell, Jas., 1616
Syde, John, 1680
Inghs, Robt, 1663 Symountson, Jas, 1696
Inglis, Thos. C 1 ), 1621
Inglis, Thos. (2), 1647 Thompsone, Gilbert, 1669
Inglis, Thos. (3), 1686
Walker, Jas, 1643
Walker, Patrick, 1607
Lyndsay, Alex., 1648 Walker (2), Patrick, 1637
Walker, Robt, 1676
Moir, Wm, 1675 Watson, John, 1671
Monteith, Jas. (i), 1634 Weir, Robt, 1646
Monteith, Jas. (2), 1643 Weir, Thos, 1631
Munro, Andr, 1677 Whyte, Geo, 1676
FROM 1700 TO 1800
Affleck, Jas, 1741 Coultard, Alex., 1708
Affleck, Robt, 1741 Coulter, Wm, 1751
Andersone, Adam, 1747 Cowper, Jas, 1704
Cunninghame, Wm, 1740
Cuthbert, John, 1712
Ballantme, John, 1755
Brown, John, 1761 D Q
Bruce, John, 1749
. I709 Edgar, Jas., 1709
Bunkell, Ed., 1720 Erskinej A , ex ^
Chalmer, Roedrick, 1750 Finlay, Robt, 17
Clarkson, James, 1717 Fleming, Wm, 17
Clerk, Jas, 1721 Folly, John, 1714
Cockburn, Thos, 1711 Fraser, Simon, 1740
218
APPENDIX
Gardiner, , 1764
Gibson, , 1719
Gourlay, David, 1800
Grier, John, 1701
Harvie, Wm., 1706
Herdrig, Thomas, 1741
Hunter, William, 1749
Kello, Robt, 1715
Kinbrick, John, 17
Kininburgh, Robt, 1794
Kinnear, Alex., 1750
Letham, John, 1718
Lockhart, James, 1792
Mitchell, Hugh, 1720
Mitchell, Thos., 1705
Monteith, James, 1767
Nail, Thos., 1792
Napier, John, 1700
Paterson, Walter, 1710
Peddie, Andrew, 1766
Prentice, Robt, 1781
Rait, John, 1718
Reid, Robt, 1718
Scott, Wm., 1794
Simpson, Thomas, 1728
Stewart, Thomas, 1781
Tait, Adam, 1747
Tait, John, 1700
Tait (2), John, 1747
Tennent, Geo., 1706
Waddel, Alex., 1714
Weir, John, 1701
Wilsone, John, 1732
Wright, Alex., 1732
Wright, James, 1780
SOME AMERICAN PEWTERERS
Richard Graves, 1639, Boston, Mass.
Henry Shrimpton, 1660, Boston, Mass.
James Leddel, 1744, Sign of the Platter, New York
Robert Boyle, 1755, Sign of the Dish, New York
Francis Bassett, 1786-1799, Queen and Pearl Sts., New York
William Kirkby, 1786-1792, Great Dock and Old Slip, New York
Henry Will, 1786, Water St., New York
Thomas Badger, 1789, Prince St., Boston
Thomas Green, 1789, Dock Square, Boston
Joseph Roby, 1789, Three doors of Drawbridge, Boston
Frederick Bassett, 1792-1798, Pearl St., New York
George Coldwell, 1792-1808, Gold St., New York
William Elsworth, 1792, Courtlandt St., New York
APPENDIX 2,19
Robert Pearse, 1792, Chatham St., New York
Richard Austen, 1796, Marlboro St., Boston
John Skinner, 1796, Newbury St., Boston
John Welch, 1796, Union St., Boston
Malcom M'Ewen & Son, 1794, Beekman Slip, New York
Michel Andre, 1796, 255 Broadway, New York
George Youle, 1798-1821, Water St., New York
Philip, Fields, 1799, Bowery Lane, New York
Moses Lafetra, 1812-1816, Beekman St., New York
Anthony Allaire, 1815-1821, Hester St., New York
Lafetra & Allaire, 1816, Water St., New York
Thomas Youle, 1816, Water St., New York
James Bird, 1820, Harman St., New York
Widow Youle (of Thomas), 1821, Water St., New York
Boardman & Co., 1824, Water St., New York
Boardman & Hart, 1828-1841, Water St., New York
(Later they moved to 6 Burling Slip, and made block tin and
Britannia ware.)
Thomas Wildes, 1832-1840, Hester and Second Sts., New York
George Richardson, 1825, Oliver Place, Boston
Homans & Co., Cincinnati, O.
Padelford & Palenthorpe, Philadelphia, Pa.
INDEX
INDEX
PAGES
Alms-dish ....... 138
America . 24, 52, 53, 93, 121, 137, 159, 164, 169, 188, 194
Andirons ....... 130
"Annual Register" . . . . . .181
Antimony . . . . . . 5, 12
Apprentices . . . . . . . 56, 57
Badges ....... 92
Basins ....... 99
Bassett, Francis . ... . . .112
" Bawles "... ... 84
Beakers . . . . . . 58, 62, 63
Bells . . . 149, 150, 151, 152, 153
Bcnitier ....... 26
Betty lamp . . . . . . 78, 137, 138
Beverley, Robert ...... 75
Birmingham . . . . 121, 124, 180, 181, 182
"Black Horse" Tavern .... 104, 105
"Bleeding" ....... 183
Bleeding-dishes ...... 68
Boardman & Co. . . . . . in
Bolsover, Thomas ..... 174, 178
Boston ....... 76
Bowdoin College ...... 166
Boyle, Robert . . . . . .112
Bradford, Gov. ..... 96-99, 137
Bradford, William . . . . . .112
Brasenose College . . . . . .125
Brass . . 5, 32, 36, 37, 48, 78, 82, 117-157
Brass boxes ....... 146
Brass-founders . . . . . 129, 130
Brateau, Jules ...... 9
Braziers . . . . 128,129,131,132
223
224 INDEX
PAGES
Briot, Francois . . . . . 9
Bristol . . . . . . 52, 121
Britannia ware ..... in, 189
Broadbent, Joseph ...... 174
Brown & Englefield . . . . . 113
Buckles ..... 179, 180, 181, 182
Buttons . . . . . . 124, 179
Cadman, George . . . . . .185
Camphine ....... 135
Candelabra . . . . . . .142
Candle-moulds . . . . . 76, 77
Candles ....... 75~77
Candlesticks . 70-75, 82, 131, 133-137, 139, 141, 164, 186, 193
Candle-wood ....... 133
Carriages ....... 8
"Cast brass" . . . . . .123
Catacombs ....... 16
Censer . . . . . . 158, 159
Chafing-dish . . . . . 164, 165
Chandeliers ....... 144
Charleston . . . . . . 144, 152, 153
Chastellux, Marquis de ..... 127
China . . . . . . 4, 5, 134, 159
" Church plate of Dorset " . . . . .87
"Church plate of Leicestershire" . . . .87
Cleaning pewter . . . . . 95, 114
"Close plate" . . . . . .179
"Collector's Manual" . . . . . 110
Communion services . . . . . 87, 89, 93-95
Communion tokens . . . . . . 92, 93
Composition of pewter . . . . 6, 32, 33
Coopland, Henry . . . . . .191
Copper . 7, 123, 150, 151, 157-172, 174-176
Cox, Joseph ....... 144
Cripps, Mr. ....... 64
"Crooked Lane Men" 53
"Cymaise" . . . . . . . 18, 19
Damascus ....... 138
"Description of England" . . . . .32,58
INDEX 225
PAGES
Diaz, Bernal . . . . . .159, 160
Dixon & Sons . . . . . . 85, 86
Drinking-vessels ..... 58-69, 104
Dutch brass ....... 119
Dutch copper ....... 159
Dutch pewter ....... 159
Ear dishes . . . . . .68
Early use of pewter . . . . . .3;
"Early Western Travels" .... 78,129
Earthenware . . . . . . .61
Ecclesiastical pewter 8, 10, 13, 14, 22, 26, 32, 33, 45, 86, 87, 92-94
Edward 1 58
Edward IV. . . . . . 42
Emerson, James . . . . . .123
Emerson, William . . . . . .70
Enderlein, Caspar ...... 10
Ewers and basins ..... 109-111
False wares ....... 50
Fane, Sir S. P. . . . . . 181
Fenders . . . . . . .143
Fenton, Creswick & Co. . . . . .192
" Fine pewter "...... 37
Fines ........ 56
Fire-dogs . . . . . . .127
Fire-sets ....... 128
Flagons . . . . . . . 87, 99
Flemish pewter . . . . . . 25, 26
French pewterers ...... 11-16
Furniture-makers ..... 142, 143
"Garnish" . . . . . . . 48, 57
German pewter ...... 20-22
Ghent pewter . . . . . -24,25
Girandoles ....... 142
Goblets ... -135
Goldsmiths' Company . . . 51
Graves, Richard . . . . 113
Guilds . . 12,14,33,38,41,42,49
"Guinea Basons" ...... 52-54
226 INDEX
PAGES
Gwynne, Nell
162, 163
Halden, John
112
Hamlin,
III
Hancock, Joseph
175
Heriot
161
Hewes, Mrs. Mary
105-107
" Hollow-ware Men "
38
Holy .
192
Homans & Co.
113
Hot-water Dishes
69
Hoyland
192
Inferior pewter
45
Inkstands
84
Isabeau of Bavaria
8
Japan
. 4,5,33, 159
"Joggled work"
21
Kaiserteller
26
Kettles
129, 130, 145, 147, 148, 165, 166
Kip, James
129
Kirkby, William
112
Knockers
125, 126
Koch, Melchoir
51
Lamps
. 78, 79, 85, 135, 137-139, 141, 1-42
Lancaster
129, 130
Langdon , John
126, 127
Langdon House
126, 127
Lanterns
143, 144
Latten
118
Lead
. 6, 14, 31-33, 37, no
Leddel, James
112
Ley metal
. 6, 60
London
14, 36, 39, 40, 43, 46, 50, 52, 62, 79, 122
Making of pewter
.33
Manchester
124
Manufacture of brass
120, 121
Marks on pewter
12, 19, 21, 22, 24, 25, 27, 45-53, 67, 89
Marks on Sheffield plate
. 186, 188, 192
INDEX 227
PAGES
Mazer bowls ...... 61
Measures . . . . . . .60
" Memorials of London " . . . 36
McEwen, Malcolm . . . . . .112
Middle Ages ....... 4
Montayne, Abram ...... 129
Mont St. Michel . . . . .16
Monumental brasses ..... 118-120
Moulds for pewter . . . . 33, 34, 40
Nelson, Lord . . . . ... 190, 191
" New England Rarities " . . . -77
" New England's Prospect " .... 133
Noggin . . . . . . .66
Nuremberg . . . . . 10, 19, 20
" Old English Plate " 64, 65
"Old West Surrey" . . . . -73,74
Oxford ....... 125
Palimpsests . . . . . . .119
" Paston Letters " . . . . . -43,44
Pearsall, Nathaniel . . . . . .163
Penton, G. . . . . . . 144
Pewterers' Hall . . . . . . 38, 46
Pewter pots . . . . . . .19
" Philocothonista " . . . . .58
Pie-coffins ....... 61
Pins ....... 121-123
Pipkins ....... 143
" Pirley Pig " . . . . . . 9*
Plates ....... 34
Porringers ....... 9
Posnets . . . " . . .67
Pottle-pot ....... 59
Price list . . . . . . 113, 114
Pricked work ...... 23
Purling, Major . . . . . .51
Quaich . . . . 9 1
Queen Anne . . . . . . . 58, 74
228 INDEX
PAGES
"Rat-tail" ....... 102
" Red Metal " 124
Reed & Barton . . . . . .113
Renting pewter ...... 57
Re-plating ....... 186
Revere, Paul ...... 164, 165
Richard, Cceur de Lion . . . . . 17, 18
Roberts, Samuel . . . . . .185
Roman use of pewter ..... 7
" Rose and Crown " . . . 22,25,47,48,53,102
Rosette ....... 150
Rose-water dishes ...... 104
Ruprecht . . . . . .19,21,51
Russian brasses .... 148, 149, 167, 168
" Sad ware men " . . . . .38
Saltcellars . . . 8, 12, 32, 34-36, 80-84
Scotch pewter . . . . .22, 87-93
Sea coal ....... 141
Searches . . . . . .41,43,46
Sewall, Judith ..... 130, 131, 133
Shakespeare's tomb ...... 120
Shaving-boxes . . . . .84
Sheffield . . . . 124, 174, 180, 181, 185
Sheffield plate ...... 173-195
Shrimpton, Henry . . . . . .113
Siddons, W. & G. . . . . .192
" Silver pewter " . . . . . .51
Silvorum . . . . . . .51
Snuffers . . . . . . .135
Spoons ...... 100-103, 134
Standish, Miles ...... 137
Stoves ....... 141
Sugar bowls ....... 148
Swiss pewter . . . . . . . 26, 27
Tankards . . . . . 8, 34, 58-66, 70, 71
"Tappit-hen" ...... 90
Tasters . . . . . . . 68, 69
Tazzi ....... 85
Teapots ....... 85
DAY
KETURN T
14 DAY USE
RETURN TO DESK FROM WHICH BORROWED
LOAN DEPT.
RENEWALS ONLY TEL. NO. 642-3405
This book is due on the last date stamped below, or
on the date to which renewed.
Renewed books are subject to immediate recall.
JAN 3 1 1977
LD2lA-60m-6,'69
(J9096slO)476-A-32
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