Blog | Gibson Pewter

Announcing a Great New Raffle for 2012

The 2011 Grande Prize Raffle is over. The lucky winner of one of our prize winning Fruit Bowls is… Carol Carnes of Longs, South Carolina. Congratulations Carol with a big hug from all of us up here in N.H.!!!

We’re planning another annual big raffle for 2012. We’ll be giving away a pair of our ever popular Rufus Dunham Candlesticks. These beauties look great in any setting.

The drawing will be in Early December, 2012 and the winner will be chosen from the list of people signed up for our email newsletter. So if you’d like to be entered for the Fruit Bowl drawing, register now in the signup box at the top of the left column on our website!

Published on Friday December 24, 2010 in Bridal & Housewarming, Graduation Gifts, Holiday Gifts and Raffle Winners. 0 Comments

Moose in Wreath Christmas Ornament

Size: 2.5″ Tall

Price: $15.00

Product code: O20_moose

click image to see larger view

Introducing our newest Annual Christmas Ornament, “Moose in Wreath.” This handsome New Hampshire moose stands proudly in a festive Christmas wreath and is sculpted in strong relief both front and back.

Each ornament is priced at $15. Purchase five, of the same or all different, at once and enjoy holiday savings… only $70. You choose your favorite five from amongst the entire collection.

Published on Wednesday November 2, 2011 in $50 and Under, Gifts, Holiday Gifts, Ornaments and Pewter. 0 Comments

2011 New Hampshire Open Doors Studio Tour

Open the door to creativity, adventure, relaxation and tax-free shopping.

Let the scenic highways and country roads of New Hampshire take you to picturesque towns and roadside farm stands. Meet our talented artisans and craftspeople who are opening their studios to welcome you. Stroll through our shops and galleries filled with NH-made products and artwork. Savor the local cuisine. Sample the wines. Spend the night in a cozy lodging property overlooking unique NH views.

Discover the natural beauty and timeless traditions of the people, products, and places of New Hampshire during NH Open Doors.

Camille and I want to remind you all that we will be participating in the NH Open Doors Studio Tour this weekend, Saturday November 5, and Sunday the 6th. The pewtershop will be open from 9 am – 5 pm both days. I’ll be metal spinning too, so newcomers will have a chance to see a dying art form in person.

Published on Wednesday November 2, 2011 in Events, Hillsborough and NH. 0 Comments

Pint Tulip Tankard

Height: 6″

Capacity: 1 pint

Price: TBA

Product code: T16

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New Design!

A friend who is a customer asked me to make him a Pint Tulip Tankard a long time ago. He checks in from time to time to see how I’ve progressed with his request. I finally created a piece which I think he’ll enjoy looking at and enjoy using. This is a brand new design, combining the graceful lines of the tulip mug with a tankard lid.

I’m even thinking about making more! If you like the look and think I should, go to Gibson Pewter on Facebook and comment, or like under the Tankard photo.

Published on Thursday September 8, 2011 in New Products, Pewter and Tankards. 0 Comments

R. Gleason Pear-Shaped Coffeepot

Height: 11” to top of finial

Price: $695.00

Product code: an0013

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This month we’re offering a SUPERB elongated pear shaped coffeepot made and marked by Roswell Gleason, Dorchester, Mass. 1821-71. This piece is pristine inside and out and retains its original wooden finial button. A wonderful addition to any collection.

Published on Thursday September 8, 2011 in Antique and Pewter. 0 Comments

Hammered Fruit Bowl

I’ve made a special piece this year which I intend to unveil in the Living With Crafts exhibit at the fair. It is a Fruit Bowl that was inspired by the work of the late Fred Pulsifer, a pewterer from Exeter, NH, whom I watched at the fair with my father, back in the 1970′s.

The bowl is hammered entirely with paper mallets over wooden forms and the four panel base is reticulated, a process which involves extreme heat and fast quenching with a moist cloth. Tricky work, but the end result is quite dramatic.

I’m not sure if I’m going to make another, so if you want this one, you’ll have to travel to Sunapee in your Brink’s truck and be prepared to shell out $1,200. The Fruit Bowl is about 12″ square, stands 6″ tall and weighs nearly 9 lbs.!

Published on Tuesday July 19, 2011 in Bowls and Bridal & Housewarming. 0 Comments

Boardman 3″ Beaker

Height: 3” 1/8

Price: $395.00

Product code: an00x

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This month’s antique is a scarce American 3″ beaker marked by Timothy Boardman & Co, New York City, 1822-1824. The beaker is well marked with some minor exterior pitting and slightly more interior pitting from use. Overall condition is very good.

Published on Monday July 18, 2011 in Antique. 0 Comments

Large Vase

Size: 8″ tall

Price: $150

Product code: V05

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New Product!

I’ve had a lot of requests for a taller vase with a wider top and base. The 5th and final new design for 2011 is the Large Vase. At 8″ in height, it’s an impressive form with a gently flared top lip and 3 decorative incised lines. This is a gift you may want for yourself!

Published on Tuesday May 31, 2011 in Bridal & Housewarming, Pewter and Vases. 0 Comments

Antique Whale Oil Lamp

Height: 6.5” tall

Price: SOLD

Product code: an011

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This month’s antique is an attractive 19th century double burner whale oil lamp made and marked by Freeman Porter, Westbrook, Maine, circa 1835-60. The lamp stands 6.5″ tall and has an acorn shaped font. The touchmark is fine and the lamp is in very good overall condition.

Published on Tuesday May 31, 2011 in Antique. 0 Comments

Tulip Pint Mug with Acanthus Leaf Handle

Height: 4.75″

Capacity: 1 pint

Price: $150

Product code: T15

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New Product!

18th century pewter mugs and tankards with acanthus leaf handle designs are quite rare and therefore quite desirable to collectors. I was fortunate to acquire and 18th century English export tulip shaped quart mug with acanthus leaf handle last year. That mug was the inspiration for this smaller pint mug. The acanthus leaf motif, an elegant feature, was also used on some high style 18th century cream pitchers.

Published on Thursday April 21, 2011 in Mugs and New Products. 0 Comments

Gravy Ladle

Length: 6.75″

Price: $75

Product code: L03

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New Product!

The Gravy ladle is a scaled down version of the Fiddle Handle ladle. This handsome new ladle will be a useful addition at your table for holiday events and everyday meals. A great gift item!

Published on Thursday April 21, 2011 in Ladles and New Products. 0 Comments

Dip Bowl

Height: 2.25″

Diameter Top: 5″

Diameter Bottom: 2.5″

Price: $45

Product code: B17

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New Product!

The Dip Bowl is an ultra modern design with slightly angled straight sides. It holds 12 oz. with room to spare.

Published on Tuesday March 29, 2011 in Bowls, Bridal & Housewarming and Pewter. 0 Comments

Condiment Bowl

Height: 2.5″

Diameter Top: 3.75″

Diameter Bottom: 2 5/8″

Price: $75

Product code: B18

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New Product!

The Condiment Bowl looks like a scaled down Revere Bowl with its round bowl, flared lip and sturdy, low foot.

Note: our Small Queen Anne Spoon fits perfectly in this bowl and makes a terrific set.

Published on Tuesday March 29, 2011 in Bowls, Bridal & Housewarming and Pewter. 0 Comments

Samuel E. Hamlin Porringer

Bowl Diameter: 5.25”

Price: $1,200.00

Product code: an010

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This month I’m offering a very fine 5.25″ flower handle porringer by Samuel E. Hamlin, Providence, RI – 1801-56. The linen mark is clear and crisp and the touchmark is fine as struck. The bowl on this example is quite heavy and has nice chatter marks on the central boss. A great addition to any collection!

Published on Tuesday March 29, 2011 in Antique. 0 Comments

New Years Shrubs

Send us photos of your Gibson Pewter. The gentleman who commissioned 64 Shrub Cups last year shared this photo. Incidentally, I sampled the rum shrub drink and enjoyed it. We’ll post his recipe soon.

Published on Tuesday March 29, 2011 in Shop Notes. 0 Comments

Gibson Pewter in Yankee Magazine

Jon Gibson in the door of his barn/shop. photo by: Jarrod McCabe

Jon Gibson and Gibson Pewter are featured in the current issue of Yankee Magazine (March/April 2011) in an article titled “The New New England Heirlooms.” The article features a number of talented New England craftspeople creating timeless pieces to share across generations.

Of the seven artisans covered in the article, Jon is the sole representative of New Hampshire and the only metal-smith. Besides looking at the artists creations, the article asks about their inspiration and their own prized heirloms.

Read the full article here, and the section on Gibson Pewter here…

From the article:
Second-generation New Hampshire pewterer Jon Gibson is a little obsessed with his medium. “I study the history of American and British pewter,” he explains. “I collect and restore antique pewter and pewtering tools. I have volumes of books on antique pewter. And I’m a member of the Pewter Collectors’ Club of America.”

Published on Monday February 28, 2011 in Media. 0 Comments

2011 Raffle Gaining Speed

We’ve had a very good response thus far to our 2011 raffle, the prize winning Fruit Bowl. By signing up for the monthly newsletter, Shop News, subscribers are automatically entered in to the raffle. We’ll pick the winner in December 2011.

Published on Monday February 14, 2011 in Events. 0 Comments

Valentine Gifts

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner! We have a number of appropriate gifts, including vases, mugs and jewelry. Place your orders soon to avoid higher shipping rates. Don’t forget, I can stamp one initial on our cast pewter hearts free of charge!

Published on Friday February 4, 2011 in Gifts and Holiday Gifts. 0 Comments

January Blues

Gibson Family Snowshoes January seems to be flying by and that is not a bad thing. With near record amounts of snow in N.H. in January coupled with some VERY cold sub-zero days, one can’t help but begin to count the number of days until Spring(50+).

Post Christmas time off with my family was restorative and I am now rebuilding inventory and working on new designs for 2011. I usually introduce new product designs in early Spring so stay tuned in to the newsletters.

Published on Friday January 21, 2011 in Hillsborough and NH. 0 Comments

Gibson Pewter November 2010 Raffle Winner

The winner of our November raffle is Lauren Chapin, of Brooklyn, NY. She will be receiving our toasty warm Muffin Earrings to keep her warm for the holidays. Congratulations and Merry Christmas.

Published on Wednesday December 22, 2010 in Raffle Winners. 0 Comments

Events & Announcements for December 2010

Currier Museum of Art, Manchester, NH Along with seven other artists and artisans, I’ve been invited to be an artist in residence at the Currier Museum of Art in Manchester, NH on Thursday, December 2 from 5 to 8 pm. It’s an opportunity for museum patrons to purchase some high quality, locally made gifts for the Holiday season.

Gibson Pewter, Sissi Studio & The Gallery at Wellsweep will once again sponsor “Christmas in the Centre” here in Hillsborough Center on Saturday & Sunday, December 4 and 5, with extended hours at each studio. I plan to be open from 10am to 7pm.

We had a successful weekend demonstrating metal spinning for the annual NH Open Doors Studio Tour in early November. Now I’m busy fulfilling early holiday orders. Speaking of the holiday season… if you’re planning a pewter Christmas, please get your orders in early as there is only one of me!

Published on Wednesday November 17, 2010 in Events. 0 Comments

American Bronze Spoon Mold

Length: 7 7/8″

Price: SOLD

Product code: an009

click images to see larger view

This month I am offering an antique American bronze spoon mold for sale. The style is often referred to as a rat-tail or Hanoverian spoon and dates to the mid-18th century. Overall mold length is 7 7/8″ and the spoon length is 7 5/16″. The mold halves fit snugly for easy casting.

Published on Wednesday November 17, 2010 in Antique. 0 Comments

2010 Gleason Falls Bridge Christmas Ornament

Price: $15.00

Size: 2″ tall by 2.5″ wide

Product code: O17_hb10

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Gibson Pewter’s 2010 Christmas Ornament features one of Hillsborough’s most scenic and enduring landmarks, Gleason Falls Stone Arch Bridge. Built in the first half of the 19th century, this sturdy, dry masonry bridge has withstood the test of time. Its graceful single arch spans Beard Brook at Gleason Falls, a location visited by generations of local families for picnicking, fishing, wading and swimming.

Created by Jon Gibson and designed by Roger Goode of Fresh Start Creative, this ornament is the tenth and final one in the Hillsborough series. It is available for sale at Gibson Pewter and Sweet Expressions. Prior years’ ornaments are still available for sale at Gibson Pewter.

Published on Wednesday November 17, 2010 in $50 and Under, Gifts, Holiday Gifts, Ornaments and Pewter. 0 Comments Tags: Christmas, landmark, ornament.

September 2010 Raffle Winner

Debbie Brewitt of Stratham, NH is our September winner. She’ll get to wear a pair of our Trowel Earrings while turning over her garden beds this Fall!

Each month, we select a winner of a Gibson Pewter product. The tides may grow and the leaves may blow, but the contented faces of our Moon Earrings maintain their equilibrium (see photo in right sidebar). Our next raffle winner will receive a pair just as the new moon begins to emerge.

Anyone who registers in the left-hand corner box on the website receives periodic updates about our products and promotions, and those names are among those we select from each month.

Published on Saturday October 16, 2010 in Pewter. 0 Comments

NH Open Doors November 6-7, 2010

As a member of NH Made—the wonderful organization that markets New Hampshire-based craftsmen, artists and business—I’ll be participating again in the NH Open Doors Studio Tour on Saturday & Sunday, November 6th & 7th.

I’ll be busy demonstrating metal spinning both days. Several local artists will be involved, too. For a complete list of participants across New Hampshire, visit www.nhopendoors.com.

Published on Saturday October 16, 2010 in Pewter. 0 Comments

6 oz. Syrup Pitcher

Height: 3″

Capacity: 6 oz

Price: $125.00

Product code: PT4

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If the sale of several prototypes of my new, small (6 oz.) syrup/cream pitcher are any indication, I’d say this is going to be a popular item. A perfect gift for any occasion! Look for a companion sugar bowl sometime this winter.

Published on Friday October 15, 2010 in Pewter and Pitchers & Creamers. 0 Comments

Samuel Danforth 7 7/8 inch Plate

Diameter: 7 7/8″

Price: $495.00

Product code: an008

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This fine American 7 7/8″ plate was crafted by Samuel Danforth of Hartford, CT circa 1795-1814. Made by an important American pewterer, this plate shows little signs of wear and has fine touchmarks. A great addition to any pewter collection.

Published on Friday October 15, 2010 in Antique and Pewter. 0 Comments

6th Annual Pewter Run

A group of vintage motorcycles at Pewter Run 2010

The 6th Annual Pewter Run vintage motorcycle race took place here on Sunday, October 3. Thirty-one vintage (pre-1950) American and British bikes were entered in the race and enthusiasts from around the Northeast made the trip to Hillsborough Center to admire the vintage motorcycles, watch the race, and enjoy the cookout & awards cast by event supporter, Gibson Pewter.

Emily Gibson (sidecar) ready to ride with Chris Pederson on the vintage Indian!

Published on Friday October 15, 2010 in Events. 0 Comments

August 2010 Raffle Winner

MONTHLY RAFFLE WINNER

In deference to the beastly hot weather we had late this summer, raffle winner Barbara Shamblin of Portsmouth, RI will receive a pair of our Lizard Earrings.

Each month, we select a winner of our monthly Gibson Pewter product. Now that the harvest is being collected and the Fat Lady is singing, it’s time to turn over your gardens to prepare for the dormant season ahead. Our Trowel Earrings will have you outfitted properly for the task.

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.

Published on Tuesday September 14, 2010 in Pewter. 0 Comments

Hillsborough’s Second Annual Living History Event a Success

Hillsborough’s Second Annual Living History Event, held August 21 & 22, was a real success. The weather cooperated and the crowds were plentiful, up almost 30% from last year! Patrons witnessed many historical reenactments and demonstrations around town.

Hillsborough Center was the backdrop for several of the events including: pewter casting, blacksmithing, furniture making, cider pressing, a one room school house reenactment, and 18th century style magician, surry rides, and so much more. Look for this event to grow in 2011.

Published on Friday September 10, 2010 in Events and Hillsborough. 0 Comments

Antique Crown Handle Porringer

diameter: 4 15/16″

Price: $995.00

Product code: an007

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Ever heard the expression, “not worth a tinker’s dam”? In the eighteenth century porringer handles were cast or burned directly to the finished porringer bowl. Expanding metal tongs, wrapped with linen, held the porringer bowl from the inside while the handle mold was placed carefully on the outside. Molten pewter was poured into the handle mold and bonded to the bowl, hence the term, “burned on.” The linen cloth prevented the metal from rushing through the bowl and thus acted as a dam. This month’s antique highlights the linen mark of the tinker’s dam!

This is a very fine Crown Handle Porringer by Thomas Danforth and his brother, Sherman Boardman, Hartford, CT circa 1810-20. The quality and condition of the metal, the well struck touch mark, and the crisp linen mark make this a wonderful addition to any pewter collection.

Published on Friday September 10, 2010 in Antique. 0 Comments

June 2010 Raffle Winner

Monthly Raffle Winner

It’s been so hot, everyone has been moving as slow as a turtle. Fitting then that Holly Adam of Greenwich, CT was the winner of a pair of Turtle Earrings in our June raffle.

Each month, we select a winner of our monthly Gibson Pewter product. In July, as the heat continues to scorch in weather fit only for creatures that keep close to the ground and conserve their energy, we’re featuring our Lizard Earrings.

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.

Published on Thursday July 15, 2010 in Raffle Winners. 0 Comments Tags: lizard, pewter earrings, turtle.

Reproduction William III Spoon

Length: 7.25″

Price: $20

Product code: S09

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I recently acquired an important early 18th century wavy-end bronze spoon mold at auction. The mold is engraved with a royal portrait on the top and a fanciful scroll pattern on the underside of the bowl.

Initially I thought it was of Queen Anne, but I’ve been talking with several pewter scholars recently and the consensus is it’s probably not a portrait of Queen Anne, but rather an earlier portrait of William III. This is William III, of William & Mary fame. Wow! Mary died in 1694. The mold was most likely produced/made in Boston circa 1694-1702.

Only a handful of these kinds of molds exist today, so they are as scarce as the proverbial hen’s teeth. I am indeed fortunate to have landed this wonderful mold. The overall spoon length is 7.25″ —Finished spoons sell for $20. This makes for a great soup spoon!

Published on Wednesday July 14, 2010 in $50 and Under, Gifts and Spoons. 0 Comments

English Export Quart Tulip Mug

Height: 6 1/8″”

Price: $1,200.00

Product code: an00x

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This fine 18th century English Export Quart Tulip Mug by Robert Bush, Sr. of Bristol, circa 1780s. Robert Bush Sr. and Jr. were major exporters to the colonies and the overall quality of their work and metal is excellent. This mug is no exception. On the inside bottom, the touchmark is faint due to some surface etching. Otherwise, this piece is in fine, overall condition.

Published on Wednesday July 14, 2010 in Antique and Pewter. 0 Comments

May 2010 Raffle Winner

May’s raffle winner of our Butterfly Earrings was Roger Anderson, Washington State. What a nice gift for the lady in your life Roger!

For our June raffle gift, we’re offering our Turtle Earrings in honor of and solidarity with ocean creatures and wildlife that struggle in these turbulent times.

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.

Published on Thursday June 10, 2010 in Pewter and Raffle Winners. 0 Comments

18th Century Bronze Spoon Mold

I am thrilled to announce the acquisition of an extremely rare and early 18th century bronze spoon mold which has engraving in the mold.

The top of the spoon mold is engraved with a royal portrait of Queen Anne circa 1704-1711 and the underside has a fanciful line and scroll pattern. Finished examples should be ready next month. Stay tuned!

Published on Thursday June 10, 2010 in Pewter. 0 Comments

Pewter Collectors Club of America meets at Gibson Pewter

The Pewter Collectors Club of America held its annual Spring meeting in Concord, NH, May 21-23. Everyone had the chance to inspect the pewter collections at the Currier Museum of Art in Manchester and the NH Historical Society in Concord. Pewter enthusiasts were able to see and handle over 400 pieces of 18th and 19th century pewter!

On Sunday, the 23rd, PCCA members traveled to Gibson Pewter in Hillsborough Center to watch metal spinning and casting demonstrations by Club members, Wayne Hilt and myself. The weather was spectacular and a good time was had by one and all! If you are interested in antique pewter, consider joining the PCCA today!

Published on Tuesday June 8, 2010 in Events and Hillsborough. 0 Comments

American Porringer with Old English Handle

Bowl: 3 7/16″

Price: $295.00

Product code: an005

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This month, I’m offering a wonderful unmarked antique American 3 7/16″ porringer with Old English handle( circa 1800). The porringer has a strong linen mark and great turning marks on the underside of the bowl.

In very fine condition. A marvelous addition to any pewter collection. (click on thumbnail image to view details)

American Porringer with Old English Handle - detail 1

Published on Tuesday June 8, 2010 in Antique and Pewter. 0 Comments

Casting a Colonial Midrib Spoon – Video Demonstration

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.

Published on Friday June 4, 2010 in Pewter, Spoons and Video Demonstrations. 0 Comments

April 2010 Gibson Pewter Raffle Winner

The April raffle winner is Celeste Dustin of Concord, NH. She’ll receive a pair of our Watering Can earrings, just in time for the big May bloom.

This month we’re putting our Butterfly earrings into the mix for the raffle. Release yourself from your cocoon with these whimsical earrings. They are sure to delight as you flit from one activity to another in your day.

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.

Published on Thursday May 13, 2010 in Raffle Winners. 0 Comments