Question from Joyce

I have a small teapot, sugar and creamer labeled L.H. Vaughn, Taunton, Mass.    In searching I discovered he started in business in 1915.  They have not darkened in the 6 years I have had them.  Did he use lead in the making of his pewter items?  Because they have not darkened in time can I assume there is no lead in them?

I can’t tell you about that particular maker, but old pewter (made before the 1970’s) was typically made with lead.  Did you purchase them new 6 years ago or are they older pieces?  If they were made in the early 1900’s I would assume there is lead in it.  It is generally true that the darker the pewter, the more lead.  However, since there is no safe level of lead, I would not recommend using it.