16 Hands :: FAQ: Tin Woodsman Pewter Co.

Who designs Tin Woodsman Pewter?
Jim and Deborah Chapman are both company owners and designers. They enjoy working both individually and jointly on new projects from where they live and work in Oregon. Their studio has been producing these wonderful pieces for over 20 years.

Is there lead in pewter?
All Tin Woodsman products are lead-free.

Does pewter tarnish?
Pewter does not tarnish. However, over time it will darken in color. This "patina" is what endears many people to pewter. If you prefer its original luster, you may shine it up with the finest (0000) steel wool.

Why is pewter so cherished?
There is something incredibly special about a metal that has been in use by countless civilizations (including the ancient Chinese and Egyptians) over the past 2000 years. In the 18th century America, pewterware was a vital part of most households. Taverns served ale in pewter tankards, families ate off of pewter plates, and infants drank from pewter bottles.

Are the measuring spoons and cups accurate?
Yes, they are accurate and designed to be used. They are made for both solids and liquids.

Can Tin Woodsman pewter be washed in a dishwasher?
Yes, it is safe to put them in the dishwasher, however this will speed the darkening process.

What exactly is pewter?
Pewter is a white alloy consisting principally of tin, with small amounts of antimony and copper. In the past, "pewter" referred to any alloy made from tin and lead. Early English pewter from other countries contained as much as 30% lead.

Today, pewter used for food vessels must be lead-free and contain 92% tin, 6.7% antimony, and 1/2% copper as required by both United States Government regulations and the American Pewter Guild.

If you have other questions, or wish ot order by phone, please contact 16 Hands toll-free at 877-300-8185.

Which sets have been used by Paula Deen?
Over the past few years, several sets have been featured by Paula Deen on The Food Newtork. The fish and dragonfly designs (in both cups and spoons) as well as the new vineyard set (below) have been used and recommended.

How can the sets be displayed?
These measuring cup & spoon sets are too beautiful to be kept in a drawer - so several display options have been designed to keep them attractive and handy.

The most popular of these has been the counter-top post. Made for both cup and spoon sets, you have the option of ordering an all-pewter post, or a cherry wood post with pewter hooks. If you wish to have both cups & spoons, we suggest the new Super Post. This double-decker post holds a set of cups on the bottom, and a set of spoons on top - all on the same post, saving valueable counter space.

If you don't wish to use any counter space, a wall-mounted strip might do the trick. These are designed to hold either cups or spoons. An all-pewter strip is available for each of the 6 set designs. Wall-mounted strips are also offered in cherry wood with pewter hooks.

See options online for spoon displays, cup displays. and the new Super Post.

Measuring cups as a gift?
For those who love to spend time in their kitchens & love to cook, these sets are the perfect gift. They not only look great, but are accurate and useful. We here at 16 Hands like to describe them as "functional art for the kitchen", and have often given them as gifts ourselves. We've found that the sets bring warmth and beauty to something a lot of people already enjoy doing.

Is gift wrap and an enclosure card available?
Most times - yes, and they are free of charge. Just let us know in the "customer comments" section of your shopping cart what message you would like included. Sometimes sets are sent from the studio, and in those cases, we cannot offer gift wrap. Still, a complimentary gift enclosure card can be sent with the gift.

Can they be returned?
Yes. If for any reason they don't work out, just let us know within 2 weeks of purchase for a refund, and within 30 days of purchase for an exchange or store credit. You are only responsible for shipping charges when returning items. 16 Hands does not charge a re-stocking fee. For more information about our return policy, please see our Customer Care section.

What if a piece breaks?
The Tin Woodsman Pewter Company stands behind all of their work. If you experience breakage in the normal use of their products, a replacement piece can be sent free of charge. The studio does ask that the broken piece be sent back to them for inspection and product improvement.

If a piece (most often a measuring spoon) goes down the garbage disposal, or is otherwise damaged or lost, a replacement piece can be purchased. The charge for this depends on the size of the damaged or lost piece. Replacement measuring spoons range from $12-$22, plus the cost of shipping. Please contact 16 Hands for more information on replacement pieces.

Cup Sets

Spoon Sets

Super Sets