Archive for the 'Shop News Newsletter' Category

Greetings friends and fellow pewter enthusiasts.

Camille, Emily, Lily and I would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy & healthy New Year. It’s hard to believe there are only 12 day left in 2011!

2011 Fruit Bowl Raffle Winner

As promised, we said we’d give away one of our prize winning Fruit Bowls in December, and the winner of the raffle is… Carol Carnes of Longs, South Carolina. Congratulations Carol with a big hug from all of us up here in N.H.!!!

…And Announcing Our 2012 Raffle

We’re planning another Annual Raffle for 2012. Subscribers to our monthly newsletter, Shop News, are automatically entered into the annual raffle.

For 2012, we’re giving away a pair of our ever popular Rufus Dunham Candlesticks. These beauties look great in any setting. If you’re already signed up for Shop News, You’re automatically in the 2012 raffle.

Don’t Forget… We’re Here for Your Last-Minute Shopping

Don’t forget, the pewter shop is open every day, 9am – 5pm, until Christmas. We still have plenty of fine gifts available, including; Tankards & Mugs, Vases, Candlesticks, Bowls, Earrings, and Ornaments to list a few. So give us a call today!

All the best of the season to you all.

With all good wishes,
Jon & Camille Gibson

Greetings Friends:

Camille and I have had a very busy and productive Summer and are now settling into the Fall routine; kids back to school, soccer practice, weekend games and of course, ramping up production in our respective crafts. Be sure to check out Camille’s work at camillegibson.com to see her beautiful fiber creations which are for sale.

Hillsborough Area Artisans Open Studio Tour

I’m gearing up for the Hillsborough Area Artisans annual Open Studio Tour which takes place next weekend, September 17th & 18th 10 am – 5 pm. I’ll be metal spinning both days. Many of the Artisans are giving away door prizes and I’ve chosen to give away one of our most popular pieces, the Woodgrain Nut Bowl.

It’s a piece that is shaped around a wooden (oak) form and then burnished with extreme pressure which imprints the oak grain into the interior of the bowl. Come enjoy a weekend of fine craft. Maps available in my shop, or online.

New Design for a Tulip Tankard…
One of a Kind?

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.

Antique of the Month

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.

We hope to see many of you next weekend and wish you all a happy Fall!

With all good wishes,
Jon & Camille

Come Visit Our Historic Hillsborough Center

Our historic hilltop village will once again be the back drop for the 6th annual HAA (Hillsborough Area Artisans) Spring into Summer Artisans’ Faire. Come see over 20 juried artisans exhibiting their newest creations, rain or shine, on the Old Town Common, at the Gallery at Wellsweep and of course, at Gibson Pewter on Saturday & Sunday, June 11 and 12, 10 am to 4 pm each day. I’ll be giving metal spinning demonstrations all weekend. Plenty of parking and admission is free!

New Products

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!

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 Tulip Pint Mug with Acanthus Leaf Handle. The acanthus leaf motif, an elegant feature, was also used on some high style 18th century cream pitchers.

Our new 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!

Check out Our Video Demonstrations

My YouTube video, Hand Spinning A Pewter Baby Cup, has nearly 21,000 views thus far! We’re planning on shooting another spinning video soon. This time, our always popular Centerpiece Vase, which is spun over a sectional chuck, will be the featured piece. Stay tuned.

Antique of the Month

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.

I hope to see many of you at the Spring into Summer Artisans faire!

Best wishes,
Jon Gibson

Greetings Fellow Pewter Enthusiasts.

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.

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!

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.

Next month I’ll add a few more antiques pieces for sale to the website and you will see these items first.

Thanks for reading and stay warm,
Jon Gibson

Events & Announcements

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.

I’ll be participating again in the NH Open Doors Studio Tour on Saturday & Sunday, November 6th & 7th. I’ll be demonstrating metal spinning both days. Several local artists will of the tour as well. For a complete list of participants across New Hampshire, visit www.nhopendoors.com.

New Product Sneak Peek

If the rapid 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. Price for Small Pitcher is $125.

Antique Of The Month

This

month’s featured antique is a fine American 7 7/8″ plate by Samuel Danforth of Hartford, CT circa 1795-1814. This plates fine touch marks, made by an important American pewterer, shows little signs of wear. A great addition to any pewter collection. Priced at $550.

Monthly 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.

EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

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.

The 77th Annual Craftsman’s Fair at the Mount Sunapee Resort was also well attended. Preliminary results suggest sales were strong. It is reassuring to know the public supports and appreciates fine arts and crafts even during difficult economic times. My Centerpiece Bowl looked beautiful displayed atop a figured maple card table in the Living With Crafts Exhibit.

The Hillsborough Area Artisans Open Studio Tour, September 18 & 19, is coming up soon. I’ll have my shop open both days and plan to do some metal spinning demos. Visitors should remember to sign up for the door prize, a Wine Coaster with beaded edge.

ANTIQUE OF THE MONTH & FUN FACT

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. The diameter of bowl is 4 15/16 inches. Price: $995.

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.

Events & Announcements

Mother Nature failed to cooperate during this year’s Hillsborough Area Artisans Spring into Summer Artisan’s Faire a few weeks back. However, that didn’t deter the crowds that turned out in full force both days… and sales were very good.

Next up is the 77th Annual League of NH Craftsmen’s Fair at Mt. Sunapee Resort in Newbury, NH, August 7-15. This month’s featured piece, the Centerpiece Bowl will be featured in the Living with Crafts Exhibit all week. Be sure to visit the nations oldest continuous crafts fair this summer!

My Latest Project

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!

Place Your Order Today! Call (603) 464-3410

Antique of the Month

This month’s featured antique is a 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.

Height to top of lip is 6 1/8″ —Price is $1,200

Showcase Your Summer Bounty

Farmers Markets. Community Garden Shares. Even our own backyard efforts are providing an abundance of tasty vegetables and herbs to feature in summer cookouts, picnics and other easy summer meals. Use our Centerpiece Bowl as a temporary home for all your fresh-picked bounty, at least until your stomach starts to rumble.

And if the heat makes your creative juices flow, this generous bowl might even provide the inspiration for an impromptu still life.

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.

Events & Announcements

A good customer here in New Hampshire brought in this ultra modern-looking glass several weeks ago and asked if I could reproduce it in pewter. He then told me that the model he was holding was an 18th century reproduction called a Shrub Glass. I was immediately hooked.

What’s a Shrub Glass you ask? It’s used for drinking the popular 18th century rum drink known as a Shrub. There are many Shrub recipes, but the rum version seems to have been the most favored. Look here for a recipe.

In any event, I think this design for our new Shrub Cups is great and the cup clearly can be used for a whole host of things including ice cream! Small size holds 5 fluid oz. and stands 4.25″ tall and the Large size holds 11 oz. and stands 5.5″ tall. Sure to be a popular item!

Place Your Order Today!
Call (603) 464-3410

Seventen Years and Counting

Early American Life magazine named Gibson Pewter among America’s top 200 traditional craftsmen for the 17th straight year! Look for the Directory issue in late June and keep an eye out for my Geometric Handle Porringer which will be featured!!

Hillsborough Area Artisans Spring Faire

Spring into Summer with the Hillsborough Area Artisans on June 12 & 13… rain or shine. Come one, come all. Over 30 Artisans with several new guest artists this year! Come and meet the artists/ craftsmen at the free public reception at the Wellsweep Gallery, Friday, June 11th from 5 to 7pm in Historic Hillsborough Center.

19th Century Boardman Chalice

Very fine unmarked mid 19th century American Chalice attributed to the Boardmans, Hartford, CT. Almost all Boardman Chalices are unmarked. Note the wonderful turning lines on the underside of the foot! A nice addition to any pewter collection.

The chalice stands 4.25″ Tall and sells for $325

Monthly 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.

Events & Announcements

New Antique Pewter Page

A new Antiques page is up an running on our Gibson Pewter website… check it out! Many of you know that I collect antique pewter and give occasional talks on the origin of particular pieces, kind of like the PBS Antiques Road Show. I’m fascinated by how styles developed both for utilitarian and ornamental purposes.

Each month I’ll try to add a piece or two. Check it out and give me a call if you have any questions.

Two pieces of Gibson Pewter will be featured in the June issue of Early American Life magazine (it should be available by mid-April). The Tavern Lamp and Gleason Chamberstick will be featured in an article about antique & reproduction portable lighting devices and lamps with handles.

Stay in touch via Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin.

Around Hillsborough

Planning Your Summer Activities?

Come for a weekend and explore Hillsborough’s many small town attractions.

Think about a visit to Hillsborough this summer for one of our three signature events:

• The 6th Annual Spring into Summer Faire happens right here in the Center June 12 & 13. Sponsored by the Hillsborough Area Artisans, a group of artists and crafts people that represent just a sampling of the wealth of talent and creativity found in the area, and from surrounding communities.
• The Hillsborough Balloon Festival and Fair (Thursday through Sunday July 8-11)has become a major four day event, including balloon launches, Fireman’s Muster, truck and tractor pulls, Carnival Midway, and new this year a team of Sky Divers.



• Our Second Annual Living History Event (Saturday & Sunday, August 21 & 22) offers a chance to interact with period artisans, musicians, reenacts, historical figures, dancers, crafters, children’s activities and more. I’ll be dressed as the earliest pewterers might have been, offering demonstrations through the weekend.

Feel free to call me for details about best places to stay and other things to do in the area.

Featured Product

Lift Up Your Spirits
With Our Pint Beaker

Okay mates, do as the pewterer does and enjoy your

St. Patty’s pint of Guinness—or any pint for that matter—in one of my Pint Beakers. The perfect marriage!

The green holiday was a few days ago, but no reason why you can’t make a toast to each and every occasion that calls for a smooth draw. With maple syrup season in full flow and spring on our doorstep there is much to be grateful for and herald.

Place Your Order Today! Call (603) 464-3410

Keep Your Pewter In Tip Top Shape

Sometimes a small dent in a piece of pewter can be pushed down or ironed out with your thumb. Really! In fact, many of my wooden straightening tools are shaped like the human thumb in various sizes.

Before attempting to iron out a dent, clean the piece and submerge it in hot water for several minutes. Then dry the piece and hold it firmly while rubbing or ironing out the dent with your thumb. Take your time and move the metal slowly, as it is very pliant.

Give it a good polish and you’ll be good as new.

Monthly Raffle Winner

Nicky Chapin of New York City is our February raffle winner. I’ll be sending her proof of her luck with a pair of our Four Leaf Clover Earrings.

Each month, we select a winner of our monthly Gibson Pewter product. We’re featuring our Maple Leaf Earrings in March. One lucky winner will receive a pair in honor of the hundreds of sap buckets punctuating our New Hampshire landscape… it’s Maple Syrup season. The weather has been perfect—cool nights and warm days—for a big batch of sticky goodness.

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.

Events & Announcements

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

Happy New Year from Gibson Pewter!

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!

Valentine’s Day is Coming

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.”

Another good choice would be either the Small Heart Earrings or Large Heart Earrings we have in our growing jewelry line.

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!

Place Your Order Today! Call (603) 464-3410

Monthly Raffle Winner

Fran Latch of Intervale, NH was the lucky winner of our December raffle and Christmas 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 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.

Events & Announcements

NH Open Doors, a collaboration between NH Made and the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen, was a big success. The crowds were good and the weather could not have been better. Sales were brisk and orders were written for Christmas. Yikes, we’re half way through November!

Our 2009 Annual Christmas Ornament, The Franklin Pierce Homestead, is selling well. In fact, I cast another 100 last weekend for insurance! We still have prior years ornament in stock. A lot of folks look forward to this annual event and are also collecting the ornaments in this series dating back to 2001. It is a wonderful and inexpensive way to collect the enduring images and history of Hillsborough, NH.

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.

Black Friday or Pewter Friday?

Speaking of Christmas, time is running out! If you’re thinking about a special pewter gift this year 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.

Place Your Order Today! Call (603) 464-3410

Monthly Raffle Winner

Marcia Ullman won a pair of our Ladybug Earrings in September. 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 pewter ornament tradition…

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.

Reverence for History & Talent

I took my family to the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston last weekend to view their new exhibit, “The Secrets of Tomb 10A : Egypt 2000 BC.” It was a wonderful exhibit! Afterwards, I took my kids to see the Liberty Bowl, made by Colonial Patriot and Silversmith, Paul Revere. It’s an extremely important piece of American history and it inspires me every time I see it. In fact, I came back to the shop and made one on Monday!