The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #55860   Message #870547
Posted By: IanC
20-Jan-03 - 10:32 AM
Thread Name: help: mend leaking tankard
Subject: RE: help: mend leaking tankard
Just to get things straight.

Pewter is almost pure tin (92% to 98%) with copper (2% to 8%) and a small amount of antimony. The copper adds hardness and the antimony imparts some "shine". Some mediaeval pewter (called black pewter) contained up to 40% lead (for cheapness) but lead is toxic, and you won't find it in any quantity in pewter made during the last 200 years.

:-)