Use of pewter was common from the Middle Ages up until the various developments in glass-making during the 18th and 19th centuries. Pewter was the chief tableware until the making of china. Mass production of glass products has seen glass universally replace pewter in day-to-day life. Pewter artifacts continue to be produced, mainly as decorative or specialty items. Pewter was also used around East Asia. Roman pewter items are very rare, although some are still in existence. Pewter gradually stopped being used and by 1850, it was just about gone. By the 20th century, however, the craft has been brought back into existence.
The word pewter is probably a variation of the word spelter. This became peautre in French, and many other languages. Today, pewter is mainly used in decorative objects, namely collectible statuettes and figurines, replica coins, pendants, etc.
Small pewter feathers contain a hole at the end for stringing on necklaces or other crafts. They are approximately 2" long.