Despite its name, German silver contains no silver. This copper-nickel-zinc alloy became famous for its silver-like appearance.
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The alloy originated in China, where it was called ‘paktong’ or white copper. It later reached Europe via the Silk Road.
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European metallurgists perfected the alloy in the 19th century, giving it the name German silver due to its resemblance to silver.
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In 1823, German chemist Ernst August Geitner developed the modern form of German silver, calling it Neusilber.
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During the 19th century, German silver was widely used in tableware, flatware, and decorative items.
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German silver became a preferred material for wind instruments, thanks to its durability and acoustic properties.
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During the World Wars, German silver was used in ammunition casings, machinery parts, and military equipment.
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The alloy’s corrosion resistance and conductivity made it ideal for resistors, connectors, and industrial components.
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By the 1970s, stainless steel replaced German silver in cutlery due to its affordability and durability.
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German silver remains popular for professional-grade wind instruments like flutes and saxophones.
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German silver is still used in niche jewelry, decorative arts, and artisanal crafts for its silvery appearance.
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Though its popularity in homeware has faded, German silver endures in specialized industries and decorative arts.
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Image source: By User Späth Chr. on de.wikipedia - Own work, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org