Britannia metal

American  

Or britannia metal

noun

1. a white alloy of tin, antimony, and copper in varying proportions, sometimes with small amounts of zinc, lead, and bismuth, used for tableware and as an antifriction material.

---

Britannia metal British  

noun

1. an alloy of low melting point consisting of tin with 5–10 per cent antimony, 1–3 per cent copper, and sometimes small quantities of zinc, lead, or bismuth: used for decorative purposes and for bearings

---

Etymology

Origin of Britannia metal

First recorded in 1810–20

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

Britannia metal

Within a few years the academy switched to a lighter tin-based alloy known as Britannia metal, plated in layers of copper, nickel silver and gold.

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 12, 2026

“I believe you they dread him. Not but what he’s artful, even in his defiance of them. No silver, sir. Britannia metal, every spoon.”

From "Great Expectations" by Charles Dickens

At present, a handsome electro-plated teapot, exactly resembling silver, may be purchased at what a Britannia metal one cost fifteen years ago.

From Rides on Railways by Sidney, Samuel

The same styles prevailed both in Sheffield plate and in Britannia metal, often misnamed pewter.

From Chats on Household Curios by Burgess, Fred. W. (Frederick William)

Christopher missed 108 the big tea-tray and Britannia metal teapot, but the sofa with broken springs was still there, covered as it had ever been with the greater part of the family wardrobe.

From Christopher Hibbault, Roadmaker by Bryant, Marguerite