There are many misconceptions, untruths, and misunderstandings related to pewter; here are some facts: • Pewter is the fourth most precious metal, ranked just after gold, silver, and platinum. • Pewter is not found in its natural state anywhere in the world. It is an alloy, comprised of a number of elements. • Pewter's primary element is tin; other elements may be copper, antimony, bismuth, silver or lead (the more tin, the higher the grade of pewter.) A few years ago, the FTC established a standard for pewter, which in effect states that in order to be called "pewter", a metal must contain a minimum of 90% Grade A tin. All pewter products manufactured and sold by OLD FORGE PEWTER contain between 92-98% tin, and no lead. • Pewter is one of the world's first metals, having been worked into objects of art by ancient Greeks, Romans, and Chinese as early as the 2nd Century A.D. Significant production began in the 13th Century, and by the 18th Century the English had made pewter widely available as an alternative to gold and silver for drinking vessels and holloware. America came into what us referred to as the "Pewter Century" between 1750 and 1850, and this was also the age of many great New England pewters. • Modern pewter is offered in two finishes; satin (brushed) or bright (polished). Pewter will not tarnish; but may dull over time. • Satin finished pewter is best cleaned by first hand washing in warm water and mild soap, then hand drying with a soft cloth. Stains or blemishes can be removed by rubbing lightly with fine steel wool, being careful to follow the lines of the original finish. • Bright pewter should be washed the same as indicated above, then polished with a very soft cloth, napless cloth. A non-abrasive silver polish can be used to remove spots or discolorations. • NEVER put pewter in the dishwasher. • NEVER put pewter near or over a flame, burner, or other heat source; it has a very low (450degrees) melting point. NEVER allow candles to burn down into pewter candleholders. NEVER put pewter or pewter-decorated items in an oven or microwave. • The glass bottom tankard was developed (by the English) so that a soldier could see his enemies approaching while drinking his favorite brew. • To get he most enjoyment from your pewter tankard; after washing and drying thoroughly, fill with ice and allow to stand for a while. When thoroughly chilled, empty ice, add your favorite beverage-and enjoy! • Don't allow distilled spirits to remain in a flask for extended periods. It is best to fill prior to each use, and empty and clean after each use.