German silver

American  

noun

1. any of various alloys of copper, zinc, and nickel, usually white and used for utensils, drawing instruments, etc.; nickel silver.

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German silver British  

noun

1. another name for nickel silver

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Etymology

Origin of German silver

First recorded in 1820–30

Example Sentences

On this day, he was adorning the German silver — a fancy name for nickel — with moiré, a wavy motif occasionally seen on high-end watches.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s crafted from German silver with an ample covering of sterling for added strength.

From Seattle Times

Her love of antiques began she when was 7 years old, when she bought a German silver purse for 10 cents.

From Washington Times

These jaws are arcs of a circle of the diameter of the rod R, and are made of hardened German silver.

From Project Gutenberg

Brass, German silver, silver, horn, tortoise-shell, ivory, bone, mother-of-pearl, and numerous fancy woods are all brought into requisition for handles and other parts of cutlery, each demanding special treatment according to its nature.

From Project Gutenberg