Early modern pewter from the castle of Middelburg-in-Flanders (Belgium): uses, material composition and ranges of quality

Abstract

SUMMARY An exceptional archaeological assemblage of pewter was found during excavations at the castle of Middelburg (Belgium). This article gives an overview of the forms and marks that are represented and discusses the chronology and spatial distribution of these tin-alloyed finds. As such, it becomes possible to delineate certain functional zones at the castle, and get a glimpse of the lives of some individuals who have lived at the castle, from a Catholic priest to Burgundian and Habsburgian nobles. This pewter set is subsequently analysed by PIXE to determine its elemental composition. Besides some methodological considerations for the future elemental analysis of pewter, these investigations illustrate the existence of various qualities of pewter. These different tin-based alloys are discussed with respect to market expectations and the various constraints that pewterers faced in elaborating these alloys.