Need History for Porter Plating Co Taunton Mass WaterPitcher

wspencer2 · Post by **wspencer2** » Sun May 07, 2006 4:42 pm

I inherited an old silverplated water pitcher that is marked as being by the Porter Plating Co, Taunton Mass. I have photos but do not know how to post them. The pitcher needs some repair as it has a small leak at the solder joint for the base plate. Before I get a repair, I wonder if the metal underneath the plating and exposed inside the pitcher is toxic [for example has lead?] and if I can use the pitcher for drinking water rather than just hand and face washing, which I think it was originally designed for. It is a nice looking pitcher but is it safe to use? Can anyone give me some history on the company and the manufacturing process?

Post by **2209patrick** » Sun May 07, 2006 8:58 pm

I'm not sure if it's the same company, but there was a Porter Britannia & Plate Company located in Taunten, Massachusetts. Founded in 1859. They were in business at least into the 1870's.
Britannia is an alloy composed mostly of tin and hardened with copper and antimony. Similar to pewter but it contains no lead.