1960s Wilton-Columbia USA Armetale Pewter and similar items

This vintage, rounded square, “Boston” bowl was made in Wilton-Columbia, Pennsylvania USA in the 1960s. It is from their retired “Plough Tavern” pattern line. It is a 9” by 9” and holds 8 cups of liquid to the top edge, but would hold more food, such as potato salad, if rounded over the rim. It is the pewter, matte finish. It is signed on the bottom, as shown in the pictures. It is in near perfect condition and looks like it was barely used, if at all. It is not *real* pewter. I know, it looks like real pewter! But it is actually made from Armetale. I’ve included a history of Armetale below. I find it fascinating and I hope you will too. The bowl is thick and heavy and has the look and feel of high quality pewter. It would look great in a modern dining setting, for everyday meals or festive occasions, but I love that it would give a look of authenticity to any Medieval, Renaissance, or even early American themed event! In fact, it would be appropriate to whatever period of time pewter hollowware would have been popular. About Armetale: In the early 1960s, the Wiltons were in business with a restauranteur in New York, who had a plan of building a restaurant that was to resemble an authentic, English pub. When the restaurant was near finished, the decision was to use pewter for dinnerware, but pewter was expensive and wouldn’t withstand the rigors of a restaurant environment for long, due to its soft, chemical makeup. Wilton Brass was asked to develop an alloy that had the appearance of pewter and silver, and also would meet the requirements of the US FDA. In 1963, Ralph Bud Wilson developed an alloy from a mixture of over 10 different metals, the primary being aluminum, which had the luster of silver, but the solidity of iron. This new combination of metals, was coined “Armetale”, combining the words, “art” and “metal”, with a French flair. Armetale comes in two finishes; one finish is a high polish similar to silver, and the other is a matte finish similar to pewter. The two types of finishes are produced through different manufacturing processes. Armetale is tarnish resistant and will not crack, chip, or dent under normal usage. Each Armetale product is a solid piece of metal with no coating applied. Armetale products can be taken from the grill or the oven, directly to the dinner table. Armetale keeps cold foods chilled and hot foods steaming. Please, wash it by hand and do not put it in a dishwasher. Note: I have also posted a large Armetale platter from Wilton, also in the “Plough Tavern” design, in a separate listing here. While the bowl and the platter would look perfect together, the bowl is a bit more rustic looking, matte finish, while the platter is more polished.