Pinchbeck

Pinchbeck is a gold-coloured alloy of copper and zinc developed to resemble gold. London Museum connects the name with Christopher Pinchbeck, who died in 1732. His son John Pinchbeck is documented through marked eighteenth-century objects.

Alloy or gilded metal?

Pinchbeck describes the alloy itself. It is not a general term for every gold-coloured piece of jewellery. An object may instead be made from another base metal and then gilded. The museum also demonstrates that an object bearing the Pinchbeck name can be gilded base metal rather than the alloy.

Examining an older piece

Colour and patina alone do not establish the material. Record construction, wear, soldered areas, engraving and any marks. Distinguish a maker name from the material and from later retailer information. When necessary, professional material analysis provides firmer evidence than visual assumption.

Sources: London Museum, chatelaine marked J Pinchbeck and London Museum, pinchbeck chatelaine and etui.