Rarely seen items of pewter will be showcased at the Antiques for Everyone winter fair when it opens at the NEC in Birmingham on October 31. Amongst the pieces will be Charles Dickens’ gin punch jug and a dinner plate said to be used at the coronation banquet of Henry VIII. Around 300 pieces dating from Roman times to the Art Nouveau period will go on show to the public courtesy of the Pewter Society.

Great British Life: The nineteenth century jug used by Charles Dickens in the preparation of his celebrated gin punch is on saleThe nineteenth century jug used by Charles Dickens in the preparation of his celebrated gin punch is on sale (Image: Archant)

It will be the largest and most comprehensive collection of pewter on public display in the UK since 1989. David Moulson of the Pewter Society said: “English pewter is highly sought after because of the craftsmanship that was regulated by The Worshipful Company of Pewterers set up in 1384 and still in existence today. Pewter is actually rarer than silver because it was constantly being melted down and recycled into different items so to have original pieces with so much history attached to them is marvellous and it is what makes pewter so collectable. For example, during the English Civil war, pieces would be melted down and become musket balls. It is a metal that was used by the poorest to the wealthiest from plates and cutlery to drinking vessels and ornaments.”

Great British Life: Shopping at Antiques for EveryoneShopping at Antiques for Everyone (Image: Archant)

Great British Life: A rare pewter plate which was possibly used at the coronation banquet of Henry VIII in June 1509 is on saleA rare pewter plate which was possibly used at the coronation banquet of Henry VIII in June 1509 is on sale (Image: Archant)

Pewter’s popularity waned towards the end of the eighteenth century when mass produced pottery had a dramatic effect on the market. The metal had a resurgence during the Art Deco period, championed by designs and craftsmanship commissioned by Liberty.

A new development at the winter fair will be a pavilion dedicated to younger dealers. The Antiques Young Guns is a growing body of dealers dedicated to encouraging new blood into the trade and promoting interest in antique and vintage collecting to a younger audience. The fair’s director Mary Claire Boyd said: “We are incredibly impressed by the passion and enthusiasm of the Young Guns who are dedicated to securing the future of the industry and breathing new life into its image. This pavilion will bring together and showcase the work of this growing band of professionals.”

Around 220 specialist dealers will be selling more than 100,000 items ranging in price from £10 to £100,000’s. Visitors will find a treasure trove of collectables such as ceramics, porcelain, silver, glass, jewellery, fine art, prints and maps, treen, textiles, carpets, furniture, fashion and vintage stock. Judith Miller and Mark Hill from the BBC’s Antiques Roadshow will be holding short talks about their favourite items as well as offering tips and advice.

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The Antiques for Everyone winter fair will run from October 31 to November 3 at Birmingham’s NEC. Every item for sale at the fair has been independently authenticated and verified by a team of industry experts.

For more information, visit: http://www.antiquesforeveryone.co.uk/