This is an ideal tea-set for people who do not want to take the time to polish silver.  Pewter does not tarnish.  It is also quite malleable, which means you can easily remove dents or deform it.  There are pewter cleaners out there that will remove the dark areas you see on the pictures.   I left it the way I found it so that you can decide how you want to use it.  This pewter does not only look old, it is very old.