Our brand
Our Trademark and Markings
Our brand is legally protected under trademark law. The crown in our logo is an "open crown," resembling a ducal crown. We stamp all our products with the trademark along with the number 95.
In addition, our products may feature other markings depending on their production date, indicated by a letter and a number. Furthermore, where our designers have been involved in creating the products, we include their signature on the piece.
As of 2024, we have rebranded from Munka Sweden to Munka Tenn. Depending on the production date, products may bear either the older marking or the new one.
The Number 95
The number 95 on pewter indicates that the item is made of 95% pure pewter. This is referred to as the fineness or purity grade and measures how much pure pewter is in the alloy. The remaining 5% typically consists of other metals, such as copper or antimony, which are added to improve the pewter’s durability and workability.
Why is purity important?
- Quality and Value: Higher purity (e.g., 95%) means the item is of higher quality and often has greater economic and aesthetic value. It is considered more exclusive and better suited for fine craftsmanship and decorative items.
- Workability: Pure pewter is softer and more malleable, making it easier to work with for intricate and detailed designs. This is especially important in artistic craftsmanship and design.
- Corrosion Resistance: High-purity pewter resists corrosion and oxidation, ensuring the item retains its appearance and structure for a longer time.
- Applications: High-purity pewter is often used for crafting jewelry, ornaments, tableware, and other household items where both appearance and durability are key.
Year Markings on Pewter
The year marking is a responsibility stamp indicating the year of manufacture.
Since 1759, Sweden has maintained an uninterrupted series of year letter stamps, now called year designations, used nationwide. Previously, certain cities (e.g., Stockholm from 1689) had their own year letter series. In 1759, all previous series were discontinued, and a new sequence began starting with the letter A. After completing the alphabet (excluding J, W, Å, Ä, and Ö) in 1782, the sequence was restarted with a 2 following the letters, and after another 24 years, a 3, and so on.
Since a name stamp can change ownership over the years, the year marking serves as an excellent complement for identifying the maker of a specific piece. As of 1988, the year designation has been optional and can also appear on imported works.
This tradition helps maintain traceability and adds historical value to pewter items.