Pewter is a metal alloy used for centuries to create tableware, mugs, and decorative objects. The composition is predominantly tin, with other metals like copper and antimony added to enhance strength, durability, and sheen. Whether pewter is safe to drink from depends entirely on the specific age and composition of the item in question.
Historical Composition and the Lead Hazard
Older pewter, particularly pieces made before the 20th century, often contained significant amounts of lead. Lead was added to the tin alloy to make the metal easier to cast and to lower the overall material cost. This historical composition could feature lead concentrations as high as 30% to 40% in lower-quality pieces, sometimes referred to as “black metal.”
This lead content created a substantial health risk when the pewter was used for dining and drinking. Acidic liquids, such as wine, fruit juices, cider, or vinegar, accelerate the process of lead leaching out of the alloy and into the drink. This leaching is often hastened by repeated use or prolonged contact.
Lead is a neurotoxin that accumulates in the body over time, and there is no safe level of lead exposure. Symptoms of lead poisoning can range from digestive issues and abdominal pain to more severe, long-term neurotoxicity affecting the nervous system. Any antique or historical pewter item with an unverified composition should be assumed to contain lead and should not be used for consuming food or beverages.
Modern Pewter Composition and Safety Standards
The composition of pewter changed significantly in the mid-to-late 20th century as the risks of lead exposure became widely understood and regulated. Modern pewter, often marketed as “fine pewter” or “Britannia Metal,” is now manufactured to be essentially lead-free. This contemporary alloy typically consists of 90% to 98% tin, with the remainder being copper and antimony for strength and hardness.
Regulatory bodies across the world have established strict standards for food-contact materials. For example, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and similar European Union standards prohibit lead in items intended to hold food or drink. The FDA’s standard for pewter used in culinary applications limits the lead content to a maximum of 0.05% (500 parts per million).
The shift to these high-tin, lead-free alloys means that contemporary, commercially produced pewter mugs, tankards, and tableware are safe for drinking. The presence of these regulatory standards provides assurance that the product complies with modern safety requirements. The new metal composition also results in a brighter, more silvery finish that resists the darkening patina common to older, leaded pieces.
Identifying and Maintaining Pewter Items
Determining the safety of an existing pewter piece depends on identifying its age and composition. Many modern items will be stamped with a hallmark or touchmark indicating their composition, such as “95% Tin” or “Lead-Free.” The absence of such clear markings on an older piece suggests that it may contain lead and should be treated as decorative only.
Visual and Sound Tests
A visual inspection can offer clues; older, leaded pewter typically develops a dark, dull, and smoky-gray patina over time. In contrast, modern, high-tin pewter retains a brighter, more silvery luster. Another simple, non-destructive test is the sound test: gently tapping a piece of modern, lead-free pewter produces a dull thud, while leaded pewter tends to sound heavier and less resonant.
Cleaning and Care
To maintain any pewter item, cleaning should be done by hand with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. The low melting point of the alloy means it can warp in a dishwasher. Avoid storing any acidic liquids, such as vinegar or fruit juice, in older pieces of pewter, even if used for decoration, to prevent potential lead leaching. If the composition of an antique item cannot be definitively confirmed as lead-free, it is wisest to keep it as a display piece.