Fine, Handcrafted Pewter in the Great American Tradition
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!
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.
Price: $15.00
Product code: J29
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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 ear wire is surgical steel.
Price: $300
Size:3″ diameter and 4″ tall
Product code: TS9
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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.
Price: $300
Size: 4″ tall
Product code: TS8
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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.
Price: $300
Size: 12.5″ diameter
Product code: TS7
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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.
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Also sold separately:
Footed Teapot: $1,200
Teapot without Feet: $1,000
Creamer: $300
Sugar Bowl: $300
Tray with Beaded Edge: $300
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.
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.
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.
Dress your tree in pewter and you will never again mess with squashed and broken ornaments or lost hooks. Mark your holidays with decorations that celebrate beauty and permanence.
Each Gibson Pewter 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.
This will make a great housewarming or seasonal gift, or divvy them up as nifty stocking stuffers for all of your special people!
Each month, near or on the date of the full moon, we select a winner of our monthly gift of a pair of Moon Face Earrings.
Martha Bigelow of Rutland, MA was “thrilled!” to learn of her recent win.
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.
I have been mending and cleaning my own antique pewter for many years. I now offer repair and cleaning service to the public. Interested persons should always phone the shop before mailing any pewter.
In addition, I always have a good selection of antique pewter for sale as well. If you are looking for a particular item, please do not hesitate to call (603) 464-3410 with your requests. Or use our contact page to send me an inquiry. All antique pewter is guaranteed for authenticity and condition.
Feel free to contact me, if you think you have piece of worth or you are interested to know what you have in your possession.
Watch as Jon Gibson demonstrates how he uses the lathe to fashion a beautiful baby cup. Beginning with a flat pewter disc he spins and shapes the metal to a form, and then finishes with a gently-rounded lip. He completes the piece by soldering on a graceful, cast-pewter handle. Enjoy!
Price: $1200.00
Product code: TS3
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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.
I need to thank the following craftsmen for their invaluable contributions to this project which took well over a year to complete. Antiques dealer, Wayne Hilt, loaned me an 18th century antique example to study as I began this venture. Wayne’s guidance in the design phase was nothing less than critical as he prodded me to refine the lines of the body and spout.
NH Furniture Master, William Thomas made a sectional chuck for the teapot which is a work of art in itself. Bill has made this kind of chuck for me before for the Granny Vase, the R. Dunham Pitcher, and the Tulip Pint Mug. A sectional chuck is a collapsable form which allows me to make the body of the vessel from one piece of metal.
As far as I can tell, ours are the only “Queen Anne” teapots to be made this way. Most are made from two pieces and soldered in the “belly.” Our teapots will never crack or leak as a result! Bill carves the beautiful rosewood handles for my teapots as well.
Lastly, Lee Ring, made a bronze mold for “slush-casting” the spout. As far as I know, Lee had never made one of these before and his first try was perfect! Thanks gents!
My teapot with cabriole feet is a bit more formal that the teapot without feet. Look for a creamer, sugar bowl, and tray to round out the set next year!
Price: $1000.00
Product code: TS4
click image to see larger view
Collectors often refer to these styles of teapot as “Queen Anne” even though they were introduced during the reign of King George III (1760–1801), 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.
I need to thank the following craftsmen for their invaluable contributions to this project which took well over a year to complete. Antiques dealer, Wayne Hilt, loaned me an 18th century antique example to study as I began this venture. Wayne’s guidance in the design phase was nothing less than critical as he prodded me to refine the lines of the body and spout.
NH. Furniture Master, William Thomas made a sectional chuck for the teapot which is a work of art in itself. Bill has made this kind of chuck for me before for the Granny Vase, the R. Dunham Pitcher, and the Tulip Pint Mug. A sectional chuck is a collapsable form which allows me to make the body of the vessel from one piece of metal.
As far as I can tell, ours are the only “Queen Anne” teapots to be made this way. Most are made from two pieces and soldered in the “belly.” Our teapots will never crack or leak as a result! Bill carves the beautiful rosewood handles for my teapots as well.
Lastly, Lee Ring, made a bronze mold for “slush-casting” the spout. As far as I know, Lee had never made one of these before and his first try was perfect! Thanks gents!
The teapot without feet has a ring on the underside which elevates the pot about an 1/8th of an inch from the tabletop. The teapot without feet is pictured with a beaded edge on the lid and finial. This teapot can also be made with the wooden finial as seen on the footed example. Look for a creamer, sugar bowl, and tray to round out the set next year!
Price: $1200.00
Product code: TS5
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William Will (1764 – 1798) is the Paul Revere of American pewter—patriot, soldier, and outstanding craftsmen. His pewter coffee and teapots are among the most elegant surviving American examples.
I reproduced Will’s Federal Period drum-shaped teapot several years ago with painstaking care and detail, as seen in the distinctive beaded edge work. Only a handful of original examples exist today. In 2007, one sold at auction for $47,560!
(William Will Teapot is available with either Ebony or Rosewood Handle. Please specify when ordering)
Price: $1200.00
Product code: TS5
click image to see larger view
William Will (1764 – 1798) is the Paul Revere of American pewter—patriot, soldier, and outstanding craftsmen. His pewter coffee and teapots are among the most elegant surviving American examples.
I reproduced Will’s Federal Period drum-shaped teapot several years ago with painstaking care and detail, as seen in the distinctive beaded edge work. Only a handful of original examples exist today. In 2007, one sold at auction for $47,560!
(William Will Teapot is available with either Ebony or Rosewood Handle. Please specify when ordering)
Price: $45.00
Diameter: 7″
Product code: D07
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The 7″ Paten is actually the Gibson 7″ Plate. It is the size most often used as a paten with any of our chalices. Sometimes and 8″ Paten is chosen. Each has a smooth rim ( no rolled edge) and an incised line about 1/4″ from the outside edge.
Price: $2100.00, 4 piece tea service
Product code: TS2-WE
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William Will (1764 – 1798) is the Paul Revere of American pewter—patriot, soldier, and outstanding craftsmen. His pewter coffee and teapots are among the most elegant surviving American examples. Jonathan Gibson has reproduced Will’s rare Federal Period drum-shaped teapot with painstaking care and has added a creamer, sugar bowl, and tray. Each piece of the tea service has the distinctive beaded edgework.
Price: $2100.00, 4 piece tea service
Product code: TS1-WP
click image to see larger view
William Will (1764 – 1798) is the Paul Revere of American pewter—patriot, soldier, and outstanding craftsmen. His pewter coffee and teapots are among the most elegant surviving American examples. Jonathan Gibson has reproduced Will’s rare Federal Period drum-shaped teapot with painstaking care and has added a creamer, sugar bowl, and tray. Each piece of the tea service has the distinctive beaded edgework.
Length: 12″
Price: $95.00
Product code: S02
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The Fiddle Handle Ladle is another classic form which was made by various pewterers. While not an exact copy of any one in particular, it embodies the best elements to create a pleasing form which feels great in one’s hand.
Length: 12″
Price: $95.00
Product code: S01
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The Beaded Edge Ladle was inspired by a similar type of ladle made by 18th century Philadelphia pewterer, William Will. Will’s ladle has a solid handle with no hook hole. The beaded edge on the bowl is applied as the piece is turning slowly on the lathe, just the way it was done in the 18th century. The handle is quite sturdy, and has a wonderful feel and balance in the hand.
Height: 9″
Price: $185.00 per pair
Product code: L12
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The Fluted Candlesticks stand a handsome and formal 9″ tall and have a beaded edge on the socket. These tall candlesticks are a wonderful addition to the lighting line!
Height: 3″
Price: $110.00
Product code: L09
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The Gleason Chamberstick is one of my father’s earliest reproduction pieces. Somewhere in my files I actually have the original drawings he used to copy the original which was in our shop for repairs.
Customers have loved this piece from the very beginning. This original would have been made by Gleason in the 1820s before his whale oil lamp production commenced in the 1830s.
Height: 7″
Price: $250.00 per pair
Product code: L05
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Tall and beautiful, the Push-Up Candlesticks are an original design. There is a brass rod which is attached to a platform within the socket. The rod extends down through the shaft and through the underside of the base. There a small brass knob is threaded to the rod. Atop the platform is a nickel which has been soldered in place.
I sometimes refer to these “sticks” as my Jefferson Ejectors. The push-up feature is used in those instances when the candle burns low and into the socket. The candle stub can easily be pushed out without enlisting the aid of a kitchen knife! Try to avoid letting candles burn this low as the pewter can become damaged.
Height: 6.25″
Price: $185.00 per pair
Product code: L04
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Height: 4″
Price: $160.00 per pair
Product code: L02
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The Gibson Candlesticks are an original design. I borrowed the shaft of the Gleason 3″ Chamberstick and created a base to match the curves of the shaft. These sturdy candlesticks are very popular.
Height: 1.5”
Diameter: 4.25″
Price: $45.00
(includes scented candle)
Product code: L01
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The 3 inch Candleholder is a modern form that I designed a few years ago. A number of my customers asked for a dish to go under their pillar candles and this design was the end result. It has sturdy, wide base and a nicely flared lip to catch any stray wax. Each candleholder comes with a locally made scented candle.
Height: 4″
Price: $175
Product code: OL4
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The Tavern Lamp is a reproduction of a piece made in New York City in the 1840′s by the pewter lamp making firm of Capen & Molineux. They made many different styles of oil and camphene lamps. Some surviving examples are even equipped with lard oil burners.
Our lamp has the single, taller, camphene burner and a wonderful scroll handle. This was a portable lamp that would have been used in many ways, including lighting the way to one’s bed chamber after dark. The single burner produces a soft, mellow light. All lamps come with instruction and a free bottle of lamp oil.
Height: 8.5″
Price: $495
Stevens Metal Award winner 2003
Product code: OL3
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The Gleason Bullseye Whale Oil Lamp is a great lighting device. The original was patented in the 1830s by Roswell Gleason, of Dorchester, Massachusetts, as a work light. These lamps are also referred to as lacemakers’ lamps.
The glass lenses magnify the light of the flame and the shade above the lens which is slightly canted, focuses the light for in close hand work, or reading. Gleason made a single lens lamp, as well as a double lens lamp so that two people could share the light source.
I won the Stevens Metal Award at the 2003 Annual Juried Exhibit of The League of New Hampshire Craftsmen with this reproduction. Original examples of this lamp are hard to find, especially with the lenses intact. All oil lamps come with instructions and a free bottle of lamp oil.
Height: 8.5″
Price: $595
Stevens Metal Award winner 2003
Product code: OL2
click image to see larger view
The Gleason Bullseye Whale Oil Lamp is a great lighting device. The original was patented in the 1830s by Roswell Gleason, of Dorchester, Massachusetts, as a work light. These lamps are also referred to as lacemakers’ lamps.
The glass lenses magnify the light of the flame and the shade above the lens which is slightly canted, focuses the light for in close hand work, or reading. Gleason made a single lens lamp, as well as a double lens lamp so that two people could share the light source.
I won the Stevens Metal Award at the 2003 Annual Juried Exhibit of The League of New Hampshire Craftsmen with this reproduction. Original examples of this lamp are hard to find, especially with the lenses intact. All oil lamps come with instructions and a free bottle of lamp oil.
Height: 4.25″
Capacity: 16 oz.
Price: $125.00
Product code: T14
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The Whitmore Pint is my new favorite mug. Jacob Whitmore was a fine 18th century Connecticut pewterer and this piece is a tribute to him. The ball terminal handle is a beautiful thing to look at and it feels great in one’s hand. Many thanks to fellow pewter enthusiast and antique pewter dealer, Wayne Hilt, for helping me to create this wonderful new handle.
Height: 5.5″
Diameter: 4.25″
Price: $300.00
Product code: B15
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The Sugar Bowl is an original design with an 18th century Philadelphia influence. It too stands about 5.5″ tall. Many 18th century sugar bowls used tankard lids for covers and mine is no different. The beaded finial is from the drum-shaped William Will teapot. It’s a wonderful thing when recycled parts work with new designs.
Available for sale.
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