Platypus Figurine, Platypus Gift, Collectable Platypus , Handcast, in Fine Pewter, by William Sturt

This silvery pewter platypus figurine has been handcast by William Sturt. William has been working with pewter for twenty years, having first learnt the skill from a master pewter craftsman who specialised in ornate picture frames. His pewter is the highest grade available and is, of course, lead-free and nickel-free, it will not flake or rust or tarnish because no chemicals are used on it and it definitely won't give you an adverse allergic reaction. If necessary, it can be gently cleaned with detergent or soap and a soft cloth. When William makes a new piece, he first carves a master, using a variety of materials such as wax or wood, then he builds a mould using his vulcaniser, which heats and crushes pure silicon until it flows around the original piece. This silicon must be left untouched until it is completely cool and a cavity will have been formed within it that is an exact copy of the shape of the hand carved master. Then the hard part begins. Tiny ducts have to be cut into the mould to allow moulten pewter to flow into each cavity, as well as other finer ducts, carefully placed to allow air to escape during the casting process. The correct placement of these ducts is crucial to a cleanly cast item. Once William is happy with a mould he will spend an hour or two testing and adjusting his work until he is completely satisfied. Next he begins casting using a centrifugal spin caster and the pieces produced are left to cool then are cleaned up by hand with a linishing machine which removes any roughness from the casting. The next step is to polish each piece, dry it and inspect it; solder or assemble the parts and finally box it and send it off to its lucky new owner.