I wrapped the mould again in duct tape, in case the heat of casting makes it burst. I also set it in a box of sand to contain any spillages and support it while I pour.

To prevent sand getting into the mould while setting up, I covered the top with plastic film - this will just burn away when I pour the metal.

I put the can of pewter pieces on a gas camping stove on full heat

Before very long, the metal began to melt. When it was fully liquid, I picked it up with a long plumber's wrench and poured it into the waiting mould.

It poured quite cleanly, but then began to bubble quite fiercely for a while before settling down.

I left it to cool for half an hour, then removed the tape covering.

The mould was still intact and felt very heavy, hopefully indicating a successful fill.

I started to crack open the mould by tapping gently with a small hammer.

Pieces of the casting started to show - looking good so far.

The mould crumbled away quite easily, leaving one quite solid casting.

An initial inspection revealed one quite large void - a bit of a shame, but otherwise, the casting is in one piece, and is approximately the right shape.

I scrubbed away the last few bits of clay, then cut off the sprue with a small hacksaw.

There were also a few little tags and blobs where there must have been bubbles or imperfections in the layer of clay immediately covering the wax - I cut these off with wire cutters.

I gently filed away any remaining sharp or protruding bits, and it was finished.