Pewter Tankard

Pewter

Pewter is a malleable metal alloy consisting of tin (85–99%), antimony, copper (2%), bismuth, and sometimes silver. In the past, it was an alloy of tin and as much as 40% lead, but most modern pewter, in order to prevent lead poisoning, is not made with lead. Pewter has a low melting point, around 170–230 °C (338–446 °F), depending on the exact mixture of metals. The word pewter is possibly a variation of "spelter", a term for zinc alloys.

Tankard

A tankard is a form of drinkware consisting of a large, roughly cylindrical, drinking cup with a single handle. In recent centuries tankards were typically made of silver or pewter, but they can be made of other materials, for example glass, wood, pottery, or boiled leather. A tankard may have a hinged lid, and tankards featuring glass bottoms are also fairly common. Beer steins have a similar shape and use.

pewter

Noun

1. An alloy of approximately 93–98% tin and 1–2% copper, and the balance of antimony.
2. An alloy of tin and lead.

Adjective

1. Of a dark, dull grey colour, like that of the metal.

tankard

Noun

1. A large drinking vessel, sometimes of pewter, sometimes with a glass base, with one handle and often a hinged cover.