Article courtesy of David Moulson
Holloware made of pewter has a horizontal seam around the widest part of the body whereas Britannia metal (B M) has a vertical seam. Pewter is heavier than B M with a thicker wall. As it is produced by pressing or forming B M can be' more highly decorated; it was often silver plated and marked EPBM -electroplated Britannia metal. B M usually has maker's marks stamped under the base often with a 4 digit pattern number. 99% of the tea and coffee sets for sale are B M and, at present, realise only a few tens of pounds.
Continental Pewter.
It is important to be able to recognise this as it commands significantly lower prices than British pewter in the UK. Continental pewter is usually heavier than the British equivalent and is mostly not hammered in the booge (the curved area between the rim and the well). Maker's marks often include an angel, the letter 'Z' and/or the words Finn or Zinn. Any rose and crown marks will have the rose filled with radial lines. Twin acom thumbpieces with heart shaped lids indicate either Continental or Channel Islands manufacture. If there are three touch marks struck on the back of a plate or one on the front rim the piece is likely to be Continental.
Damage or Repairs.
Any significant damage, corrosion or repairs will reduce the value of all but the rarest pieces by a half to two thirds. Repairs often seen are to the rim/booge junction on plates and to handle attachments on hollowares.
Fakes and Reproductions.
There were a lot of fakes and reproductions made in the 1920's and 30's sometimes being stamped with genuine maker's marks. These have now had time to develop significant surface oxide or patination so care is required. Fakes often have an even, chemically created, oxide or corrosion pattern. Genuine plates have a number of knife marks of uneven depth and distribution on the surface. Hollowares should not have touch marks or hallmarks or London labels under their bases. Measures should be denominated say gill or pint etc. and have verification marks, usually VR, ER or GR, with a number stamped on the lip.