De Tinkoepel Tinnegieterij is one of the last pewterfoundries located in the Netherlands, and also one of the last making all products on the traditional way by hand.

On this site you can read the history of our company and the marks just since 1898.

Back in 1898 Hermannes Tollenaar had a job as pewterer at the Kamphof Pewterfoundry in Zwolle (East of the Netherlands).

Hermannes was a excellent craftsman. He loved his job and worked hard.

When Hermannes Tollenaar asked for a raise of 5 cents his boss told him "This is absolutely impossible".

So Hermannes decided to start a new pewterfoundry on his own.
He started his foundry back in 1898.

Products dating back to this time contain te following marks.;

This mark was used between 1898 and 1919 for so called measuring cups.

This mark was used on all other bigger products between 1898 and 1910

This mark was used on spoons between 1898 and 1910

After 1910 Hermannes used this mark.
It has the letters H T (Hermannes Tollenaar) and the citysymbol of Zwolle.

This mark was used till 1915.

In 1913, after Worldwar One Hermannes moved to Amsterdam and openend a new foundry in Buiksloot, an area of Amsterdam.
This because it was easier to get tin from overseas and the market for pewter products was bigger over there than in the east of the Netherlands.

Since then "Buiksloot" can be found in the marks.
In 1915 Hermannes dies, his both sons continue the handcrafted work.

This mark was used between 1915 and 1935

Since then they also starting to ship their products to other countries.
Especially for 'export' products they use a special mark.
It contains the company name, the city Area Buiksloot and the text "Made in Holland"

Used between 1915 and 1935

In 1935 the company almost broke down.
Michiel Tollenaar, Andries Barend Loch and Joop Blaauboer made a new plan.
The company name changed to "Loch Tollenaar & Co".

The son of Joop Blaauboer "Erik" started to learn the craft of pewterer during this period.
Also the mark changed. You can see the company name "Loch Tollenaar & Co", the text "Made in Holland" and "real Dutch Pewter".

This mark was used between 1935 and 1955

At the start of the company in 1898 the pewterfoundry of Justus Johannes van Maurik broke down.
Hermannes Tollenaar bought all his bronze moulds.
Johannes had his owm mark "IVM with an Angel"
Because they use a lot of moulds made by Johannes van Maurik, they decide to use his mark in combination with the Companyname Loch Tollenaar Amsterdam.

15 years ago (1993) the company market for handcrafted pewter products was slow.
A lot of other pewterers decide to use other production methods by machines.
Erik Blaauboer was in charge the last years located in Amsterdam.
He and his wife decide to move to histrorical village "De Zaanse Schans".
Carla Blaauboer opened a little shop in a little tea-house located near the first grocery store of Albert Heijn.
The atelier, where all products are made, moved to another part of Amsterdam.

Since the 1th of january 2007 "Ingrid" daughter of Carla and Erik is the new member of the board.
Together with her mother they run the shop, while het husband "Ronald van Delden" is learning the craft.

Ingrid and Ronald both hope to find a bigger location on this historical village.
A location where they can combine both the shop and atelier.
We are on a waiting list for another location that fits our needs and also is historical so it can stay of build on the area of "de Zaanse Schans"
Till then.. we'll wait and search patiëntly.

If you have any questions about our company, our products or our craft just (e-)mail or call us.

Best regards,

Ingrid Blaauboer & Carla Blaauboer - de Groot

De Tinkoepel Tinnegieterij

Kalverringdijk 1

NL1509BT Zaandam
The Netherland

Tel +31 75 6176204

Fax +31 75 6162263