Royal Selangor (UK) Trade Catalogue

SINCE 1885 The story of Royal Selangor goes back to 1885 when a young pewtersmith named Yong Koon sailed from the port of Shantou to Kuala Lumpur, a town then located in the tin rich state of Selangor. The discovery of tin in Malaya had lured him and thousands of other Chinese to the fledgling tin mining town, where he joined his brothers who had established themselves as tinsmiths. In early years, Yong Koon made pewter incense burners, joss stick holders and candlestands for the altars of wealthy tin miners and Chinese temples. When demand for traditional ceremonial pewterware declined, Yong Koon and his sons started making European style products for the British and other expatriates under the brand of Selangor Pewter. This was an important turning point for the business and laid the foundation for an export market. In 1979, the company received a royal warrant from the Sultan of Selangor. To reflect the royal endorsement and diverse nature of the company, Selangor Pewter changed its name to Royal Selangor in 1992.

Royal Selangor pewter consists of as much as 97% high quality tin, with a small proportion of copper and antimony added to strengthen the alloy. All Royal Selangor pewter is lead-free and food safe.

Pewter’s unique characteristics, its low melting point and relative softness, make it ideal for craftsmen and designers to work with. Loved for its versatility and feel, it can be fashioned in a variety of finishes – a traditional soft satin lustre, a dazzling brilliance that rivals silver or a subdued ‘antique’ finish.

Royal Selangor produces high quality cast pewter, which is heavier and stronger than spun pewter. When struck gently, it produces a resonant sound.

The tradition of craftsmanship continues through its workforce of 250 craftspeople based at its factory in Setapak, Kuala Lumpur.