Pewter ingots are soft, grey bars of pewter, cast so that the alloy can be stored and remelted without waste. Most are made from tin hardened with antimony; a small amount of copper may be added when a tougher finish is required.
Pewter melts at a comparatively low temperature and flows readily into moulds. It is therefore favoured for plates, jugs, badges, fittings and decorative work that would be needlessly expensive in silver. It takes detail and polish well, but remains too soft for dependable blades or armour and will bend under a heavy blow.