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Beautiful holiday gathering that includes a single cast reed pewter charger dating from 1700 ~ 1730 along with four pieces of stone fruit, holiday greens, nuts and three bottle brush trees (contents as pictured). **Note: This gathering has been shrink-wrapped so the contents will stay in place which elevates the need to re-create the design. You may have to rearrange the nuts if you so choose.
The following is a little history about pewter objects that you may find interesting.
Chargers, dishes, plates and saucers were collectively known by pewterers as ‘sadware’. Starting in the early seventeenth century, England began importing a great deal of pewter to the American colonies in the form of goods. England controlled the tin supply for America as tin was not available therefore much of the colonial pewter’s made repairs by using broken pieces that were smelted and recast. These pieces were also melted down and used for bullets during conflicts, making pre-Revolutionary War American pewter very rare. Later, around “1760” more than 300 tons of English pewter was shipped to the American colonies annually.
In the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries American pewter was made by casting the molten metal in molds which were usually made of brass or bronze. These molds were very expensive therefore most of the colonists brought them with other items on their journey to America. Pewter consisting of an approximate mix of 90% tin and other metals such as copper, antimony, bismuth and sometimes traces of silver, is a highly mold-able, soft metal that can be dated as far back as Ancient Rome and Egypt. Sadware gradually replaced wooden utilitarian pieces as in the beginning only the wealthy could afford to buy it.
This nice early example showing a single cast reed with a gentle bouge or booge, (the round wall between the well and the rim on a plate, dish or charger) boasts desirable dark patina. This plate is referenced as a charger because of the larger size. Appropriate wear includes overall minor scratches throughout along with some surface corrosion located on the back (possibly from water) that does not come through to the front. An illusive dent can also be found on the bottom (middle section) but the positioning of the plate on a table is not affected. Dark variations in the pewter are consistent throughout. This piece is unmarked which is a common occurrence as the hallmark probably wore down due to the constant usage but is most likely English. Condition is very good considering its age!
Four pieces of old stone fruit that include an apple, orange, pear and a grape cluster show wear that includes paint loss in the form of chips, excluding the pear. Three graduated bottle brush trees I painted add even more color and interest to the scene. An array of snowy greens including iced holly along with berries, pearl onions and a variety of nuts complete this Williamsburg inspired ensemble.
This early holiday gathering would be a perfect display for your table or sideboard and should receive many compliments from your invited guests on either Christmas Eve or Christmas day! Enjoy!
Charger measures 15” across and stand ½” tall. Overall height @ the tallest point (largest bottle brush tree is 6 ½” tall.
