Hi Pete,
I'm with Ken on this one I'm afraid, I would have opened up the holes, but that is down to the choices we make. Nice shape, like the pewter.
Bryan pewter is easy, turn a mold, melt the pewter and pour it in. Make sure the mold is dry and don't allow it to spill on to you. Leave it to cool for 1/2 hour. Drop CA glue around the sides in the mold to stick the pewter in place, mount it on the lathe and turn. You may need to think about sprue holes to allow air to escape from the mold. I turn with a 3/8 spindle gouge quite nicely but others think you should just scrape. try both if I were you.
Good luck.
Regards
John BHT