An unusual jewel box in “Pewtal” attributed to Norman and Ernest Spittle, circa 1905.

The box has a hammered finish and is unexpectedly light in the hand. The underside is stamped “Pewtal (Registered)”. The lid has a ceramic roundel fitted which is most likely a Ruskin Pottery roundel. The construction is quite simple with sections riveted together and very simple punched decorations on legs to the front and back. The inside of the box has a blue velvet lining.

I am fortunate enough to have an early catalogue by the Spittle brothers and they describe their registered material “Pewtal”:

Pewtal or PEWter ALuminium is a grey-white metal combining the beautiful colour of old pewter with the strength and lightness of aluminium. But although resembling both Pewter and Aluminium it is without the disadvantages of these metals and can be worked by hand with an artistic resultant “feeling” equal to that of copper craftsmanship and (unlike Pewter) can be applied for Fire Place Canopies and in the making of Electric Light Fittings.