Everyday Elegance: The Pewter Collection of Richard Graver

When we think of early American homes, we often imagine simple wooden furniture, handmade textiles, and flickering candlelight. But another material quietly shaped daily life: pewter. Silvery, practical, and often beautifully designed, pewter was used for everything from plates and teapots to lamps.
This fall, Dovetail Auctions on Bidsquare is offering the personal collection of Richard Graver, a master craftsman who dedicated his life to the art of pewter. His eye for design and history brought together a group of objects that tell the story of how everyday life could also be elegant.

A Painted Pewter Plate (Lot 1)
While most pewter is admired for its soft, silvery glow, this painted plate adds a surprise element of color and decoration. It’s a reminder that even the most practical household objects could be made special.


A Teapot by Samuel Danforth (Lot 2)
This elegant teapot was made by Samuel Danforth, a well-known pewterer from Hartford in the late 1700s. More than just a vessel for tea, it reflects the growing importance of hospitality and ritual in early American life.

The “Lighthouse” Teapot (Lot 6)
Tall and striking, this teapot takes its nickname from its resemblance to a lighthouse. Its bold shape shows how everyday objects could carry a sense of style and presence on the table.

Pewter Oil Lamps (Lot 5)
Before electricity, lamps like these brought light to the evenings. Smooth and functional, their pewter finish added a touch of beauty to a daily necessity.

Richard Graver’s collection reminds us that even the simplest objects can tell stories about how people lived, dined, and found comfort at home. This sale offers a chance to appreciate pewter not just as a collector’s item, but as a window into everyday life in early America.

See the full catalog and register to bid on Bidsquare.