Nickel silver

History and Development

• Nickel silver was first smelted in China from unprocessed ore.
• It was smuggled into the East Indies during the Qing dynasty, despite a government ban.
• In the West, it was known as 'baitong' or 'paktong' and used to imitate sterling silver.
• The earliest European mention of 'paktong' was in 1597.
• German artificial recreation of nickel silver began in the mid-18th century.
• The Chinese alloy was known as paktong, while in Europe, it was initially called argentan.
• The term 'nickel silver' was coined in the 19th century.

Uses of Nickel Silver

• Nickel silver is used in silver-plated cutlery and other silverware.
• It is used in zippers, costume jewelry, and musical instruments.
• The alloy is preferred for the track in electric model railway layouts.
• It is used for durable keys, lock cylinder pins, and coins.
• Nickel silver is used in marine fittings, plumbing fixtures, and heating coils.

Fraudulent Uses

• Counterfeiters have used nickel silver to produce fake silver rounds and Morgan dollars.
• Replica bullion bars marked as nickel silver or German silver have been sold without disclosing the absence of elemental silver.

Toxicity

• Prolonged contact of copper alloys, including nickel silver, with acidic food or beverages can leach out copper and cause toxicity.
• Long-term, low doses of copper can lead to cirrhosis.
• Some people have allergic reactions to nickel, causing a persistent rash.

Related Metals and Alloys

• Argentium sterling silver, a different precious white metal with improved tarnish resistance.
• Britannia silver, an alloy with a higher silver content than nickel silver.
• Britannia metal, an alloy primarily made of tin.
• Cupronickel, an alloy of copper and nickel.
• Sheffield plate, a layered silver-plated metal.

Nickel silver Data Sources