Antique French Marked and Stamped Pewter Liter Tankard With Hinged Lid.

"DF" on underside, the word "LITRE" mostly faded on the side, and a wide array of official letter punches around the top and on the hinge of the lid. Pieces like this were commonly used to dispense liquids throughout France in the 19th Century. 

Condition: Commensurate with age. Dents and dings.

Size: 5 1/2 x 3 1/2 x 9 in. 

Pewter is a malleable metal alloy consisting of tin, antimony, copper, bismuth, and sometimes silver. In the past it was an alloy of tin and lead, but most modern pewter avoids this combination in order to prevent lead poisoning. The earliest known piece of pewter was found in an Egyptian tomb from c. 1450 BC. Pewter was used for decorative metal items and tableware in ancient times by the Romans, and came into extensive use in Europe from the Middle Ages until the various developments in pottery and glass-making during the 18th and 19th Centuries. Pewter was also the chief material for producing plates, cups, and bowls until the making of porcelain. Mass production of pottery, porcelain and glass products have almost universally replaced pewter in daily life, although pewter objects continue to be produced, mainly as decorative or specialty items.

Commensurate with age. Dents and dings.

All items are sold AS IS. Lot and condition details are for descriptive purposes only. Sarasota Estate Auction is not responsible for errors and/or omissions of condition. The absence of a condition report does not imply that the lot is perfect or free from wear, flaws, or characteristics of age. Please bid according to your own expertise, or request any additional information and/or photographs you deem necessary.