Engraver's Brass Pubblico Deposited
- Engraver's Brass. A copper alloy that is a favorite of engravers because it is so well suited for all types of engraving. The most common alloy is "eight-five/fifteen"(85% copper, 15% zinc), which is considered medium soft for cutting, it can be engraved by any method (machine or hand), it retains its engraved groves with clean edges, takes an attractive patina after the engraving is completed, and other desirable characteristics. Like most bronze alloys it can be cast or diestruck and can be easily machined in all steps of metalworking, including blanking, trimming, punching as well as engraving. See bronze.
excerpted with permission from
An Encyclopedia of Coin and Medal Technology
For Artists, Makers, Collectors and Curators
COMPILED AND WRITTEN BY D. WAYNE JOHNSON
Roger W. Burdette, Editor