How do I clean antique silver plate?

Clean silver plate gently using a mild, non-abrasive silver polish and a soft cloth to avoid wearing through the thin silver layer to the base metal underneath. Avoid harsh chemical dips and store pieces in dry conditions to prevent rapid tarnishing.

Is pewter tableware safe for food?

Most antique pewter contains lead, which means older pieces are generally best used for display rather than holding acidic or wet foods. Modern pewter is lead-free, but historic vessels should be treated as decorative objects.

How can I tell pewter from silver?

Pewter has a duller, deeper grey colour and is softer to the touch than silver, which exhibits a brighter, reflective sheen. Pewter also lacks the standard hallmarks associated with solid silver, carrying touchmarks instead.

What is Old Sheffield Plate?

Old Sheffield Plate is an eighteenth-century composite material made by fusing silver and copper together before shaping the metal. Examining the edges of pieces often reveals a thin line of copper where the two metals meet.