While the term pewter covers a range of tin-based alloys, the term English pewter has come to represent a strictly-controlled alloy, specified by BSEN611-1 and British Standard 5140, consisting mainly of tin (ideally 92%), with the balance made up of antimony and copper.
Although the exact percentages vary between manufacturers, a typical standard for present-day pewter is approximately 91% tin, 7.5% antimony and 1.5% copper.
The last type of pewter, known as "lay" or "ley" metal, was used for items that were not in contact with food or drink.
Until the end of the 18th century, the only method of manufacture was by casting and the soldering of components.
From the last quarter of the 18th century, improvement in alloys (e.g. britannia metal) and techniques allowed objects to be made from pewter by stamping and spinning.