Capstan
A salt in the general form of a capstan in use c 1675-1700.
Casting
Process whereby molten pewter is poured into a mould to form the desired article. This was the main way of forming pewter articles until the introduction of Britannia Metal allowed items to be cold-formed from sheet metal. However, even then casting continued to be used for certain types of vessel such as measures and pub pots and to provide the thumbpieces, knops, handles, feet, etc. of articles whose bodies were made from sheet metal.
Castor
A small vessel with a perforated top used to dispense salt, sugar or sand.
Chalice
A stemmed cup used for ecclesiastical purposes. Most correctly for use in the Roman Catholic Mass and provided with a small bowl; however, often also used to describe Protestant communion cups, which have far larger bowls.
Charger
A piece of sadware, 18 inches (460mm) or greater in diameter.
Chopin
A Scottish measure with a capacity equal to a half Scots pint, or 1½ pint Imperial measure.
Communion token
A coin like item usually of pewter, or white metal but sometimes lead or brass and made in a variety of shapes (round, oval, rectangular, octagonal, etc.). Issued to those deemed eligible to take communion. Originating in Scotland, the use of such tokens spread to other countries where significant numbers of Scots settled, e.g. Canada & New Zealand. Some English examples are also found.
Corrosion
The slow formation of a dark layer of oxide on the surface of pewter. Depending on the alloy, the corrosion can range from a very thin and hard layer to a thick and crusty scale.
Copper
Chemical symbol Cu A red brown metal alloyed with tin and sometimes antinomy to form pewter.
Crested
Used to describe a Scottish tappit hen with a knop on the lid.
Dish
A piece of sadware 11 to 18 inches (280 to 460 mm) in diameter.
Drum
The body of a tankard, mug, measure, or flagon.