Pinchbeck (alloy)

Pinchbeck is a form of brass, an alloy of copper and zinc mixed in proportions so that it closely resembles gold in appearance.

It was invented in the early 18th century by Christopher Pinchbeck (died 1732), a London clock- and watch-maker.

The inventor allegedly made pinchbeck jewellery clearly labelled as such.

Pinchbeck jewellery was used in places like stagecoaches where there was a risk of theft.

[1] Pinchbeck fell out of use in the second half of the 19th century, being replaced by low-carat gold which had been legalised in 1854.