How do you Match?

Tin + Copper + Antimony

A question that comes up again and again: What exactly is pewter?
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​Ingots of tin, strips of copper and bars of antimony may be the physical components of pewter, but add some less tangible elements and then you have a MATCH masterpiece. So consider if you will. . .

Heritage + Craftsmanship + Love

There’s a quiet, understated beauty to MATCH pewter. The warmth of the cooper, the silvery whiteness of the antimony, and the soft gray of the tin are alloyed in such a way that this elegant metal resists tarnishing and provides the perfect buttery palette for hand engraving under the masterful hand of John Franciscus.

MATCH and Franciscus Silver & Pewter Gifts have much in common, so much so that MATCH's founder and chief designer, David Reiss spent an entire day in Atlanta with John learning about his hand engraving technique and enjoying good old fashioned Southern hospitality! David has commissioned John on several hand engraved projects through the years. To this day, when David needs for the engraving to be extra special he does not hesitate to pick up the phone and discuss the project with John.

Reiss was the first to bring Italian pewter to an appreciative American audience in 1995. Born with an unerring eye that was trained at Rhode Island School of Design, the production of beautiful vessels and frames, trays and cutlery,  was a natural culmination of Reiss's design skills as he combined contemporary functionality with Italian heritage based upon designs of the 14th through the 19th centuries. Gone were any fusty associations with a “ye olde pewter” tradition. In its place were timeless pieces that evoked another place and time, a place and time that customers wanted to inhabit.

Hours of exacting labor go into each piece by multiple craftsmen, each with a specific skill set. Skills and tools that have changed very little over the centuries. Refined and honed, each piece of MATCH pewter undergoes a rigorous process of casting, soldering and polishing. It embodies an authenticity that feels quite at home in both formal and casual settings.
It is also lead free, FDA approved, and food safe.

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Many process videos seek to de-mystify. This one only inspires.

​John’s curatorial eye and love for MATCH pewter makes Franciscus Silver & Pewter Gifts the go to location for MATCHHe loves sharing MATCH with his customers and then guiding them through the hand engraving process to make each piece a personalized heirloom.

Shown is one of our most popular MATCH gifts. A porringer just waiting for the baby's initials and perhaps even a birthdate. This will certainly be the gift that will be treasured for years to come. 

I fondly remember my first piece of MATCH (the first of I hope many more pieces to come!) was the footed compote. It was love at first sight and now graces our dining room table. The elegant curves of the traditional Italian design elevate fruit, sometimes a bouquet of salad, even a very lucky black cat at times!

Like Franciscus Silver & Pewter Gifts, MATCH prides itself on adhering to the highest levels of quality, attention to detail, and outstanding personal customer service. We’re proud to bring MATCH to our customers in Atlanta and throughout the United States. We’d love to see how you’ve woven MATCH pewter into your table settings and your lives. 

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 #LJLLEWIS
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Our parting shot. Isn't it lovely?
(Hint-hint Santa: Gravy boat. . . Must. Have.)

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