Pewter is a metal alloy with a high tin content whose composition factors have changed over time. Historically speaking, pewter was first used in Egypt 3000 years ago and came to Europe in the 12th century by the French. Pewter is a popular material due to its low melting point and casting properties. Common bars and bistros throughout France are decorated using pewter cast bar tops and pewter countertops. The French used this application so much that it became a staple of craftsmanship to ornately decorate the edging to show quality and skill of the artisan responsible. The practice of casting a pewter counter top has fallen by the wayside in favor of a more usable sheet stock; as such the attention to detail is no longer as attainable as it once was. A product made of sheet tin or zinc however lacks the more decorative appeal and will be adorned with seems and weld marks. An American company, Bastille Metal Works, still produces cast countertops that keep with the same old world attention to detail and specializes in custom created surfaces like cast pewter bar tops and countertops.