ENHANCING AN ANCIENT METAL

Pewter is an attractive, malleable, tin-based metal alloy, from which domestic utensils have been fashioned since Roman times. During the 18th century, it could be found in most homes, in the form of jugs, candlesticks and inkwells, and is often associated with tankards. To clean, the metal should be washed in warm, soapy water and dried completely. If tarnished, the cleaning method will depend on the finish. Satin pewter has a rough, matte patina and should be cleaned with a gentler scrub. Polish is applied with a fine steel wool in the direction of the grain. Polished pewter should be buffed regularly, while oxidised pewter needs to be washed gently in warm water and not polished, since this may remove its darker finish.