This month I am offering my first piece of antique pewter for sale on my website. I’ll try to add one or two pieces a month for your consideration.
This is a wonderful 19th century English Pint Mug marked Austen & Sons, Cork, Ireland. Note that they used the same handle as found on their Pint Haystack measure. 4 3/8″ tall. Great touchmark and turning lines. Fine overall condition.
To order any antique pewter, please call: (603) 464-3410
It’s been a long time in the planning stages, but I finally hunkered down and designed a modern-day sized coaster to match the base of larger mugs and other beverage holders. The Gibson Pewter version of Super Size Me!
Our Jumbo Coasters are almost 5″ in diameter and made from thick, heavy gauge pewter stock. They are rugged and ready to work. With an inside base diameter of 4″ (!), they can handle your biggest coffee mug or glass with ease. And these are nice and heavy. They won’t stick to the bottom of your glass the way other coasters often do.
The Centerpiece Bowl is a new addition to our product line. It is a real beauty. An original design and a contemporary form, it has a low flared rim with a distinctive beaded edge and an incised line on the inside bottom. At nearly 12″ in diameter and 2″ in height, it truly is worthy of being a centerpiece.
You’ll also be amazed at the capacity of this vessel. Fill it with fruit, nuts, veggies, or even a low silk flower arrangement to bring cheer to your meals and get you through until the season of new buds arrives.
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. Get her (or him!) my new Fluted Bud Vase. With a single beautiful stem, it’s an affordable and elegant way to say, “I love you.”
And here’s an idea for an “evergreen” valentine. Pick up or order a bunch of our small hearts. At only $5 each, they cost the same or less than sending out expensive greeting cards. These thoughtful gifts really make an impression. I know folks who carry one of our Gibson hearts around in their pocket every day!
Call and place an order today! Call (603) 464-3410
One of my New Year’s resolutions was to learn to be a better cook. Actually, my wife, Camille, made that resolution for me. But it’s been great. In fact, I made my first leg of lamb for Christmas dinner and folks went back for seconds!
So what I’ve done is line my upper stovetop shelf with several of my Salt Bowls & Spoons and now use them for salt, pepper and other herbs and spices. Even though I’m a rookie cook, I now look like a pro… look out Julie & Julia!
Sincere Thanks for Your Support
I am beginning 2010 with feelings of profound gratitude to all of you who have supported and encouraged me in these hard economic times. I took a full week off from work after Christmas to be with my family, enjoying the season and taking short day trips around beautiful New Hampshire. I now feel a renewed enthusiasm for my craft.
Despite these hard times, I’m looking forward to expanding my business and adding new products this year. December sales were strong. In fact, the sales line for the last quarter of 2009 pointed upward!
Fran Latch of Intervale, NH was the lucky winner of our December raffle and Bell Ornament. Such a timely way to “ring in the new year” and add to an heirloom collection of ornaments to dress the holiday tree for years.
Each month, we select a winner of our monthly Gibson Pewter product. For January, we plan to gift a pair of our Small Heart Earrings. Love will soon be in the air.
Anyone who registers in the box in the right-hand corner of the website receives periodic updates about our new products and promotions, and those names are among those we select from each
month.
Jeff Rand, living right here in Hillsboro, won last month’s raffle prize of the Christmas Stocking Ornament. Just in time to hang on the tree for the current holiday season. The Stone Bridge Farm Bed & Breakfast always looks sharp, but outfitted in Gibson Pewter? Magnificent!
Each month, we select a winner of our monthly Gibson Pewter product. For December, we plan to gift a Christmas Bell ornament. Makes a good start to collecting all of our Hillsborough historic locations and seasonal ornaments.
Anyone who registers in the box in the left-hand corner of the website receives periodic updates about our new products and promotions, and those names are among those we select from each month.
I have two new product offerings in the works that are decidedly contemporary and original designs.
The Centerpiece Bowl is functional and beautiful. In fact, it may be the most beautiful piece I’ve ever created. Nearly 12″ in diameter with a distinctive beaded edge, it’s a low form bowl with a graceful shape that holds tons of fruit or anything you wish to feature as a centerpiece.
I’m also working on an oversize set of four coasters, aptly named, Jumbo Coasters. Nearly 5″ in diameter, these coasters can handle your biggest coffee mug or cup. And they’re heavy! No more sticky coasters.
Look for these new products in January 2010. Or call and place an order today! Call (603) 464-3410
Marcia Ullman won a pair of our Ladybug Earrings in October. I guess ladybugs do contribute to good luck!
Each month, we select a winner of our monthly gift of a pair of Gibson Pewter Earrings. For November, we plan to gift a stocking ornament. Maybe this will prompt a family pewter ornament collecting tradition…
Gibson Pewter and The Gallery at Wellsweep will once again host “Christmas in the Centre” on Saturday, December 5th & Sunday 6th from 10 am to 5 pm. Take advantage of this great opportunity to buy wonderful, locally made crafts and fine art, and, of course, some fine pewter!
Refreshments will be served in both locations. Come wiggle your toes, throw some good cheer (and snow?), and mingle with your Hillsborough Centre neighbors.
Time is running out! If you’re thinking about a special pewter gift to give this holiday season—and I hope you are—please get your orders in early so we can be sure to get your order filled and shipped!
What better way to avoid the mall crowds and traffic of Black Friday… give me a call in the shop and do all your holiday shopping in one stroke. We have gifts for every use and taste.
Pick up a copy of the November issue of New Hampshire Magazine. Gibson Pewter is the featured artist.
We just found out about it last week. A nice exposure boost as we head into the holiday buying season.
The full page includes a nice write-up about us, plus it features the tulip-shaped Philadelphia Creamer and the Philadelphia Sugar Bowl both featuring beaded edges.
Our 2009 Hillsborough Christmas Ornament is a face-on view of the historic Franklin Pierce Homestead. This was the boyhood home to the 14th President of the United States.
Built in 1804 as a home to Benjamin Pierce, hero of the Revolutionary War and twice New Hampshire governor. Franklin Pierce spent half his life in this elegant mansion. The Homestead is a living museum and has been restored to its early 19th century appearance. It features original stenciling, 1824 wallpaper, period furnishings, and historical mementos of the Pierce family.
The 2009 Pierce Homestead Christmas ornament was created by Jon Gibson and designed by Roger Goode of Fresh Start Creative. Proceeds from the sale of this year’s ornament will be used exclusively for needed building repairs at the Homestead.
Each of our ornaments is priced at $15. Purchase five ornaments at once, all the same style or all different, and enjoy holiday savings… only $70. You choose your favorites from amongst the entire collection.
Kay Scott won a pair of our Small Star Earrings in September. She’ll twinkle at all her holiday functions this season.
Each month, we select a winner of our monthly gift of a pair of Gibson Pewter Earrings. For October, we plan to gift a pair of Lady Bug Earrings. Good luck may be yours for the asking.
Anyone who registers in the box in the right-hand corner of the website receives periodic updates about our new products and promotions, and those names are among those we select from each
month.
Open the door to creativity, adventure and relaxation. Discover with your family and friends an insider’s view of scenic Hillsborough’s craftspeople and artisans. Participate in NH Open Doors, Veteran’s Day Weekend, November 7 & 8, from 10 am to 5 pm.
We enjoy being a part of this joint NH Made & League of New Hampshire Craftsmen event each year.
Visit http://nhopendoors.com to view participants across the State of New Hampshire.
On September 26th at 6 pm at the New Hampshire Antiquarian Society in Hopkinton, NH, I’ll be previewing a new piece at the 19th Annual “Tomorrow’s Masterpieces” Art Show & Sale. The Show opens with an Artist’s Champagne Reception.
Nancy Fuller was our August winner of Grape Earrings. Pour yourself a glass of red or white and enjoy an early fall sunset.
Each month, we select a winner of our monthly gift of a pair of Gibson Pewter Earrings. For September, we plan to gift a pair of our cute Small Star Earrings. Cool clear nights are perfect for stargazing.
Anyone who registers in the box in the right-hand corner of the website receives periodic updates about our new products and promotions, and those names are among those we select from each month.
Before I polish my pewter plates, I soak them in extremely hot
water for several minutes in a dish pan.
I take a pad of super fine steel wool (0000), place it in the water, squeeze it out, and apply a teaspoon of Dawn dish liquid. Then I take the plate out of the water and begin firmly rubbing the steel wool in a circular pattern from the middle to the outside diameter of the plate. Repeat this rubbing on both sides and dry
the plate with a soft cotton towel or cloth.
I always apply a metal polish. I like (and sell) 3M Chrome & Metal Polish. Apply the polish with a cotton ball and wipe it away with a soft cotton rag before it dries.
Fill the dish pan again with hot water and rinse the plate while
rubbing a few drops of the Dawn dish liquid on both sides of the
plate. Dry the plate completely with a soft cotton cloth or diaper.
I do this type of cleaning process to each of my plates at least
once a year!
With six locations, the event was so grand it was in danger of becoming its own black hole. But the determination of numerous volunteers and curious visitors made the weekend a genuine success.
Their several regiments camped out on Jones Road for a multi-day series of re-enactment activities. A period Magic show, performers and impersonators, blacksmith demonstrations, tours of the Franklin Pierce Homestead, and our beautiful stone arch bridges provided a wealth of things to capture imagination and interest.
We were busy in Hillsborough Center. Camille, the kids and I were all dressed in period costumes while I demonstrated making spoons. Here I’m working with my “intern,” Lily Gibson.
Center School, our one room schoolhouse next door, was open for “class,” and spinners and weavers demonstrated their talents in the Meeting House. The 12th NHV Regiment Serenade band played some jaunty tunes that kept our toes tapping. And one of many competing Town Criers kept us apprised of the weekend events.
If you didn’t make it this year, mark your calendars for late August next year. Once everyone has enjoyed a time of rest, we’ll no doubt gear up to do it again. There is too much history and talent in this small town to keep it quiet.
Behind the scenes we’ve been busy in preparation for the Living History Event to be held right here in Historic Hillsborough the weekend of August 21-23. Camille & I will be dressed in 19th century garb casting 19th century wares!
Visit each of the six interesting historic destinations points throughout town chock full of interactive activities, performers, musicians, demonstrators, and craftsmen.
Right here in Hillsborough Center, you’ll find a charming historic village that served as the center of local life until the 20th century. Still a quaint area full of historic buildings and structures that include an animal pound, horse sheds, cemetery, school house and churches.
This is a great way to spend the weekend experiencing some of New Hampshire’s most beautiful countryside, visiting with the artisans and learning their creative process. You drive from studio to studio at your leisure and all the studios are within a 20 mile radius of the downtown area. Many of the artist will be demonstrating their craft.
The hours of the studio tour on Saturday and Sunday are 10am -5pm
I was delighted to be named one of America’s top 200 traditional craftsmen for the 16th straight year by Early American Life Magazine. Notice of the recognition is in their August issue on news stands now.
Since 1970 Early American Life has been the source for information on early American style, decorating, and traditions. They cover both antiques and reproductions made by crafters working in period styles with traditional tools. They provide solid information that has given them the reputation as the essential magazine about early Americana.
Congratulations to Jaki Dodd, our July winner of Dragonfly Earrings. Your flowers may be pelted and flattened by rain drops now, but they’ll bounce back!
Each month, we select a winner of our monthly gift of a pair of Gibson Pewter Earrings. For August, we’ll be awarding a pair of our sensuous Grape Earrings. Warm, dry weather should bring them out in droves as soon our monsoon season is past.
Anyone who registers in the box in the right-hand corner of the website receives periodic updates about our new products and promotions, and those names are among those we select from each month.
The Queen Anne Tea Service was on exhibit in the “Living With Crafts” exhibit at the annual League of NH Craftsmen Fair in Sunapee, NH earlier this August.
I’m so proud of my wife, Camille (also a league member). She won the “Creative Sewing Award” for her Gold Fish Soft Sculpture!
See it on her website at www.camillegibson.com. And if you are interested in growing your larger than life dry land aquarium, it’s still available for sale!
On Saturday, July 18 from 10am to 4pm, I will be at the Franklin Pierce Homestead in Hillsborough, NH, casting spoons in a circa 1750 antique bronze spoon mold. If you can’t make it to the demonstration at the Homestead, you can watch a casting demo from the comfort of your home here on the site.
We’re also gearing up for the annual League of NH Craftsmen Fair in Sunapee, NH August 1-9. The new Queen Anne Tea Service will be on display in the “Living With Crafts” exhibit throughout the week. Come take a look; it’s a beautiful presentation.
Congratulations to Sarah Benet, our June winner of Rosebud Earrings. Your flowers may be pelted and flattened by rain drops now, but they’ll bounce back!
Each month, we select a winner of our monthly gift of a pair of Gibson Pewter Earrings. For July, we’ll be awarding a pair of our dramatic Dragonfly Earrings. Warm, dry weather should bring them out in droves as soon our monsoon season is past.
Anyone who registers in the box in the right-hand corner of the website receives periodic updates about our new products and promotions, and those names are among those we select from each month.
Congratulations to Heather Clemons, our May winner of Yin/Yang Earrings. Keep an open mind to the meaning of each of life’s challenges and opportunities.
Each month, we select a winner of our monthly gift of a pair of Gibson Pewter Earrings. For June, we’ll be awarding a pair of our pretty Rosebud Earrings. Early spring blossoms are now making way for the summer beauties.
Anyone who registers in the box in the right-hand corner of the website receives periodic updates about our new products and promotions, and those names are among those we select from each month.
Please join us for the Fifth Annual Hillsborough Area Artisans Spring Into Summer Faire!
On Saturday & Sunday, June 13 & 14, from 10 am to 4 pm (rain or shine), the Faire will feature Hillsborough Area Artisan members as well as guest artists. The event is held directly across the street from the Pewter Shop.
This year’s faire will include: baskets, jewelry, blown glass, fabric art; paintings, pottery, photography, woodburning, blacksmithing, and more.
In addition to artist displays in outdoor tents, there will be artisans in the Center Club, and several artisans will be featured at the Well Sweep Gallery. And, of course, Gibson Pewter will be open during the faire. Each afternoon, I will offer a metal spinning demonstration.
A reception for Spring Into Summer Faire will be held at the Well Sweep Gallery in Hillsborough Center on Friday, June 12 from 5 to 7 pm. Everyone is welcome to come meet the artists and view their work at the Gallery.
It’s easy to visit us all summer long… We’re open 7 days a week in July and August!
Congratulations to Jacqueline Lianos of Manchester, NH. “What a treat! Thanks so much. I look forward to my new earrings,” was her reaction to learning she won a pair of Watering Can Earrings.
Each month, we select a winner of our monthly gift of a pair of Gibson Pewter Earrings.
May’s draw will win a pair of Yin/Yang Earrings, to philosophically weather the vagaries of New England spring temperatures.
Register in the box in the right-hand corner to receive periodic updates about our new products and promotions, and your name will be among those we select from each month. Your chances are best now, as we are just beginning to grow our online list.
Did you know that the lady bug is the official state insect for New Hampshire (and Massachusetts)?
Lady bugs are good for the garden, and are a harbinger of better weather and all good starts. If you find a ladybug, put it on your palm, make a wish and then blow on it to send your good luck—and bug—out into the Universe. Always a winner.
The Small Sugar Bowl is 3″ in diameter and stands 4″ tall to the top of the finial. It is an original design and was made to accompany the Queen Anne teapots.
The body has three incised lines, two in the mid section and one near the top lip. The pedestal base has a rolled lower edge for extra stability. The lid has two incised lines, a beaded finial, and has an outer edge which can be ordered with or without a beaded edge.
The Creamer with cabriolé feet stands 4″ tall to the top of the handle. It is a mid-18th century style creamer and was made to accompany the Queen Anne Teapots. The spout, handle, and feet are separate castings which are soldered to the cream pot body. Later 18th century examples have spouts which are an integral part of the upper body casting. Antique examples of these kinds of cream pots are quite rare.
The Serving Tray with Beaded Edge is 12.5″ in diameter and was designed to accompany all of my tea services. The 1″ rim has an incised line and distinctive beading on the outer edge to create an elegant serving piece. The tray is made from our heaviest metal stock.
Stanley Kazimierczak’s machine shop and home, about a mile from my pewter shop, burned to the ground in a fire on March 30, 2009.
Stan is a great guy, and almost nothing worse could have happened since he did not have insurance. He makes a lot of tools for my shop and helps out a lot of people around town. He’s a real crackerjack machinist, and he does beautiful work. We want to see him get back on his feet and back into business.
Stanley has done a lot of work for me over the years, machining the chucks I use to form my pewter pieces. I used to have them made out of wood, but now Stan makes them out of steel and they last forever.
I’ve initiated a fundraiser to help our Hillsborough neighbor rebuild his business. An account has been opened in Kazimierczak’s name at Sovereign Bank in Hillsborough, NH. Supporters may deposit funds there to help him rebuild his business.
If you are intested in making a contribution, visit Sovereign Bank on West Main Street in Hillsborough, NH or call (603) 464-5541.
Collectors have referred to this style of teapot as “Queen Anne” even though they were introduced during the reign of King George III (1760–1801), well after her reign (1704–1711). Some collectors refer to this type simply as an 18th century pear-shaped teapot. I think all would agree that whatever the name, the style is without rival. These teapots are beautiful and elegant.
It is exciting to now offer a full tea service. The Creamer shares the same style of cabriole foot as the teapot and has an applied spout. The Sugar Bowl has a beautiful beaded edge on the lid as well as the finial. The 12 1/2″ Tray also has the distinctive beaded edge and is made from our heaviest gauge metal.
The Queen Anne Tea Service took a little over two years to complete. This
project could not have been possible without the help of fellow craftsman,
Bill Thomas, who made two outstanding sectional chucks; one for the teapot
and another for the creamer. These collapsible forms allow me to shape the bodies out of a single piece of pewter, thereby eliminating a solder joint in the belly and the possibility of a future leak.
Fellow pewter enthusiast and antiques dealer, Wayne Hilt, loaned me a splendid 18th century creamer to help inspire the design of my creamer. Wayne also carved the model handle for the teapot which Bill now carves for me.
Last but not least, a special thanks to Lee Ring for making a wonderful 18th century type bronze mold for hollow casting the teapot spouts.
In this demonstration, Jon shows how the Colonial Midrib Spoon is made by pouring molten, lead-free pewter, into an antique (circa 1750) bronze spoon mold. The pewter, an alloy of 92% tin, 1% copper and 7% antimony, is heated to a temperature of 550 F, and then ladled into the antique mold. Those spoons which are imperfect castings are consigned to the pot, in the time-honored spirit of recycling, to be re-cast another day.
In between product development and rebuilding our inventory, I’ve been working on a couple of casting videos. We will throw up the spoon video shortly. Another, illustrating how the Dunham candlesticks are made, will be posted after we finish shooting the entire process.
I’ve been keeping busy, working on designing a sugar bowl, creamer and tray to go with the Queen Anne Teapots this winter. So we will have a complete and elegant set very soon!
Congratulations to Jay Ingerson, our lucky March winner of Four-Leaf Clover Earrings. Wondering if it is better to give or to receive….
Each month, we select a winner of our monthly gift of a pair of
Gibson Pewter Earrings.
For April, we’ll be awarding a pair of our adorable Watering Can Earrings. It’s not too soon to be thinking about gardens and summer bounty.
Anyone who registers in the box in the right-hand corner of the website receives periodic updates about our new products and promotions, and those names are among those we select from each month. Your chances are best now, as we are just beginning to grow our online list.
Holly Patterson of Weare, NH, is our latest raffle winner. She received a pair of our Small Heart Earrings.
Each month, we select a winner of our monthly gift of a pair of Gibson Pewter Earrings.
February’s prize will be a pair of our Four-Leaf Clover Earrings to welcome St. Patrick and spring. Are you Irish? Do you feel lucky?
Register in the box in the right-hand corner to receive periodic updates about our new products and promotions, and your name will be among those we select from each month. Your chances are best now, as we are just beginning to grow our online list.
Congratulations to Laura Rainone of Durham, NH. “Fantastic,” was her reaction to learning she won a pair of Four-Leaf Clover Earrings.
Each month, we select a winner of our monthly gift of a pair of Gibson Pewter Earrings.
January’s draw will win a pair of Small Heart Earrings, to wear for the upcoming Valentines’ Day holiday.
Register in the box in the right-hand corner to receive periodic updates about our new products and promotions, and your name will be among those we select from each month. Your chances are best now, as we are just beginning to grow our online list.
This is a wonderful 19th century English Pint Mug marked Austen & Sons, Cork, Ireland. Note that they used the same handle as found on their Pint Haystack measure. 4 3/8″ tall. Great touchmark and turning lines. Fine overall condition.
To order any antique pewter, please call: (603) 464-3410
Gibson Pewter and 
Each month, we select a winner of our monthly gift of a pair of Gibson Pewter Earrings. For October, we plan to gift a pair of 
Once again the 
I take a pad of super fine steel wool (0000), place it in the water, squeeze it out, and apply a teaspoon of Dawn dish liquid. Then I take the plate out of the water and begin firmly rubbing the steel wool in a circular pattern from the middle to the outside diameter of the plate. Repeat this rubbing on both sides and dry
With six locations, the event was so grand it was in danger of becoming its own black hole. But the determination of numerous volunteers and curious visitors made the weekend a genuine success.
Center School, our one room schoolhouse next door, was open for “class,” and spinners and weavers demonstrated their talents in the Meeting House. The 12th NHV Regiment Serenade band played some jaunty tunes that kept our toes tapping. And one of many competing Town Criers kept us apprised of the weekend events.
Each month, we select a winner of our monthly gift of a pair of Gibson Pewter Earrings. For August, we’ll be awarding a pair of our sensuous 
See it on her website at 
On Saturday, July 18 from 10am to 4pm, I will be at the Franklin Pierce Homestead in Hillsborough, NH, casting spoons in a circa 1750 antique bronze spoon mold. If you can’t make it to the demonstration at the Homestead, you can 
Each month, we select a winner of our monthly gift of a pair of Gibson Pewter Earrings.
Find me online