I learned I have something in common with Joan Rivers — who knew? — when The New York Times shared photos of her Connecticut estate. Love or hate the rest of her kitchen, the pewter stopped me in my tracks. Chargers, porridgers, teapots, and candlesticks stretch up to the ceiling, all covered in an enviable (and usually pricey) patina. Luckily, however, not all old pewter is pricey. I scored five early-19th-century Welsh pewter measuring gills not unlike this one on eBay UK for under $50 with shipping. (Gills were used in taverns to measure alcohol. Mine are heavily patinated and, from the dents and soldering, look like they were used to break up a tavern fight or two.) And pewter candlesticks and small bowls are still easy to find for decent prices at tag and estate sales, on eBay, or at antique stores. — Sarah L.