Much speculation has always existed as to the real ingredients of a counterfeit coin. Solder here is another item in the plumber's outfit--is often the original foundation. But such lead is very poor in itself, and tin and bismuth have both been found to possess excellent hardening properties (Fig. 9). But the finest foundation for a counterfeit coin is obtained out of a certain receptacle from which your average working man invariably blows the froth previous to sampling the contents--pewter-pots! Here we have a reason for the frequent thefts of the traditional holders of mild and bitter, and when such a theft is brought home to a man, he is at once surmised, and very properly so, to be in league with coiners. [Illustration: FIG. 6.--A HALF-CROWN MOULD, SHOWING "GET".] Whilst on the subject of pewter-pots, the writer is inclined to relate an amusing incident, communicated to him by an East-end publican. Some curious contests take place in Whitechapel and its environs, one of the most popular of which is that of pewter-pot cleaning, when James, the potman at the "Three Boot Brushes," meets William, who holds a similar position at the "Laughing Lobster," in friendly rivalry, to decide who can clean the greatest number of pewter-pots in an hour. This particular East-end publican had such a contest at his "house" one Sunday morning, and after a most exciting contest his own particular potman won. This was all very comforting. But, by some mysterious means, the same evening the public-house was robbed of a number of pots--and all clean, too! "I wouldn't 'ave minded _that_, sir," said the communicative publican, with a decided emphasis on the "that," when relating this--"I wouldn't 'ave minded _that_: but what annoyed me was the remarkable number of bad two-shilling pieces me and the missus took over the counter a week afterwards!" [Illustration: FIG. 7.--LEAD AND LADLES.] The pewter having been melted, the coins having been cast--the two sides of the mould being kept together by clamps made of strong hoop-iron, in order to secure a firm impression (Fig. 10)--filed and edged, and got as near the proper weight of a good coin as possible, a very important process now takes place. We will take "silver" coins as an example. The coins are put on battery racks. Several of these are to be found here--a pair (Fig. 11) near a couple of batteries (Fig. 12) will suit our purpose well. One is empty, and shows the wires made in various sizes to hold securely the coin intended to be immersed in the bath containing the silvering solution. The other, as will be seen in the illustration, is well charged with coins. The process of silvering coins is exactly similar to that of plating knives, spoons, forks, etc., though the vat--which is usually made of iron with a thin lining of wood--containing the plating liquid is very much smaller than those used by men engaged in a legitimate business. [Illustration: FIG. 8.--MELTING-POT AND CRUCIBLES.]