Yikes! I mis-spoke when I used the word "frequently". I have seen at least 1 colonial-made sword with pewter strapwork to it's hilt, but do not remember the site, nor have I been able to find it again-
. (I will continue to search for the site, though...) I own a Rev War hanger with lead decorated hilt, likewise, lead was used in at least one example in Neumann's guide. As stated, pewter was used to make tomahawk blades of the period and shortly there-after (see Hartsler's and Knowle's book for numerous examples). Another part of a lead sword guard was found at a dig-site I saw online; again, I can't find the site again.