Pewter was introduced into Britain around the 2nd century A.D. by the Romans. Through the Middle Ages and Renaissance, tin, lead and copper continued to be England's major export, second only to wool. Pewters domestic use started with caldrons employed for boiling the meat at the coronation of Edward I. In 1290, Edward I had over 300 pewter dishes, salts, and platters. He seems to have had no silver plate at all. From the fourteenth century pewter manufacture grew rapidly and almost every market town of any size would have a pewterer in its craft guild. "The Worshipful Company of Pewterers" of London dates back to 1348 in the reign of Edward III. In 1474 the London Pewterers 'purchased' from King Edward IV a royal charter for the legal control of pewter manufacture. By Act of Parliament in 1503 all pewter manufacturers were required to strike their maker's mark on their wares. This was to enable identification to be made when checks were carried out at local fairs, London pewterers recorded their marks on thick flat plates kept at Pewterers Hall, where they can still be seen.

Pewter, 465 grams; 112.62 mm. Circa 1750 A.D. A large tankard, probably naval. It has a large engraved elliptical panel on the front which reads the owners name, To the right of it are two stamped marks, one is a crowned GR (George Reigns) and the other a makers mark PM. Handle detached at one poimy otherwise Very Fine condition. Found on the Thames foreshore.

Pewter, 465 grams; 112.62 mm. Circa 1750 A.D. A large tankard, probably naval. It has a large engraved elliptical panel on the front which reads the owners name, To the right of it are two stamped marks, one is a crowned GR (George Reigns) and the other a makers mark PM. Handle detached at one poimy otherwise Very Fine condition. Found on the Thames foreshore.

Pewter, 400 grams; 143.34 mm. Circa 1600 A.D. Almost flat with a slightly raised rim. Plain apart from a stamped mark reading FIN. Fine condition. Found on the Thames foreshore.

Pewter, 400 grams; 143.34 mm. Circa 1600 A.D. Almost flat with a slightly raised rim. Plain apart from a stamped mark reading FIN. Fine condition. Found on the Thames foreshore.

Pewter, 390 grams; 211.56 mm. Circa 1600 A.D. Almost flat with a slightly raised rim. Plain apart from a stamped mark in the back of a crowned Tudor rose with LONDON above. Good Fine condition. Found on the Thames foreshore.

Pewter, 390 grams; 211.56 mm. Circa 1600 A.D. Almost flat with a slightly raised rim. Plain apart from a stamped mark in the back of a crowned Tudor rose with LONDON above. Good Fine condition. Found on the Thames foreshore.

Pewter, 375 grams; 230.88 mm. 1761 A.D. A high lipped plate with punched decorated rim. The flat plate is punch decorated similar to repousse, and depicts a crest containing a rampant lion, above is a plumed knights helmet with fronds behind. The rim is engraved [17 E M R 61], probably the owners initials, and dated. Good Very Fine condition.

Pewter, 375 grams; 230.88 mm. 1761 A.D. A high lipped plate with punched decorated rim. The flat plate is punch decorated similar to repousse, and depicts a crest containing a rampant lion, above is a plumed knights helmet with fronds behind. The rim is engraved [17 E M R 61], probably the owners initials, and dated. Good Very Fine condition.

Pewter, 280 grams; 90.96 mm. Circa 1940 A.D. A pewter cup, probably military from the second world war. It has k68 near the rim, with G6R below a crown denoting George VI, with ½ PINT below. On the base of the cup is GASKELL & CHAMBERS LTD/BIRMINGHAM/MADE IN ENGLAND. Very Fine condition.

Pewter, 280 grams; 90.96 mm. Circa 1940 A.D. A pewter cup, probably military from the second world war. It has k68 near the rim, with G6R below a crown denoting George VI, with ½ PINT below. On the base of the cup is GASKELL & CHAMBERS LTD/BIRMINGHAM/MADE IN ENGLAND. Very Fine condition.