Pewter Products
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ORIGINS<br />
PEWTER<br />
The story of Royal Selangor goes back to 1885 when a young pewtersmith named<br />
Yong Koon sailed from the port of Shantou to Kuala Lumpur, a town then located<br />
in the tin rich state of Selangor. The discovery of tin in Malaya had lured him and<br />
thousands of other Chinese, to the fledgling tin mining town where he joined his<br />
brothers who had established themselves as tinsmiths.<br />
In early years, Yong Koon made pewter incense burners, joss stick holders and<br />
candlestands for the altars of wealthy tin miners and Chinese temples.<br />
When demand for traditional ceremonial pewter ware declined, Yong Koon and<br />
his sons started making European style products for the British and other expatriates<br />
under the brand name of Selangor <strong>Pewter</strong>. This was an important turning point<br />
for the business and laid the foundation for an export market.<br />
Royal Selangor pewter consists of as much as 95% tin, with a small proportion<br />
of copper and antimony added to strengthen the alloy - the highest international<br />
standard for pewter. All tableware products produced are food safe as<br />
Royal Selangor pewter is lead free.<br />
<strong>Pewter</strong>’s unique characteristics, its low melting point and relative softness, makes<br />
it ideal for craftsmen and designers to work with. Loved for its versatility and<br />
feel, it can be fashioned in a variety of finishes - a traditional soft satin lustre,<br />
a dazzling brilliance that rivals silver or a subdued ‘antique’ finish.<br />
Royal Selangor produces high quality cast pewter, which is heavier and stronger<br />
than spun pewter. When struck gently, it produces a resonant sound.<br />
In 1979, the company received a royal warrant from the Sultan of Selangor.<br />
To reflect the royal endorsement and diverse nature of the company,<br />
Selangor <strong>Pewter</strong> then changed its name to Royal Selangor in 1992.<br />
The tradition of craftsmanship continues through its workforce of 250 craftspeople<br />
based at its factory in Setapak, Kuala Lumpur. Keeping the legacy alive are the third<br />
and fourth generation members of the Yong family who are as passionate about<br />
pewter as they are about the brand.
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