THE MANUFACTURE OF NEW OR IMPROVED METALLIC ALLOYS, AND IN THE METHOD OF COMPOUNDING THE SAME
Year: 1878

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Octave Lechesne, of Shepherd's Bush, in the County of
Middlesex, for the Invention of "THE MANUFACTURE OF NEW OR IMPROVED
METALLIC ALLOYS, AND IN THE METHOD OF COMPOUNDING THE SAME."
Sealed the 23rd May 1879, and dated the 27th November 1878.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Octave Lechesne at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 27th November 1878.
OCTAVE LECHESNE, of Shepherd's Bush, in the County of Middlesex.
MANUFACTURE OF NEW OR IMPROVED METALLIC ALLOYS AND IN THE METHOD OF
COMPOUNDING THE SAME."
"THE
The first part of my Invention relates to the manufacture of a new or improved
metallic alloy closely resembling silver, and much superior to German silver.
For this purpose I melt and mix together.—

page_text: The above metallic compound being costly, I find it advantageous to employ the
following modifications of the above formula; viz. :-
650.00 parts of
50
copper
lead
"
33
175.00
nickel
"
"2
50
"
"
tin
1.00
"
">
173.00
cadmium
zinc
"
"
Further, my Invention relates to the method of mixing the copper with a small
proportion of lead prior to the addition of the nickel in making such alloys. The
following is an example of the smallness of the proportion of lead used in carrying
out this part of my Invention, but these proportions may be varied according to the
purpose for which the alloy is required:-
750.00 narty of couner
The small quantity of lead first melted with the copper in the above formula is
the cause of the intimate union of the copper and nickel, whereby alloys of such
metals are obtained of superior quality to any yet known.
The addition of tin and of zinc, as in the examples given, have each specific
objects, viz., to impart superior qualities to the alloys containing them; for
instance, improved colour, freedom from oxidation, facility of working, and greater
cheapness.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said Octave Lechesne in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 27th May
1879.
"THE
OCTAVE LECHESNE, of Shepherd's Bush, in the County of Middlesex.
MANUFACTURE OF NEW OR IMPROVED METALLIC ALLOYS AND IN THE METHOD OF
COMPOUNDING THE SAME."
The new or improved metallic alloys made in accordance with my Invention may
be employed for the manufacture of various articles, and may with advantage be
used instead of silver, where silver is considered too expensive. These new alloys
are with advantage employed to replace silver and nickel plated articles in circum-
stances requiring durability.
These new alloys being malleable may be used and manipulated by the workman
in all ordinary operations, as they are applicable for the same uses, and may be
subjected to the same workmanship as silver, which metal they so closely resemble.
They are less subject to tarnish than silver or existing alloys by exposure to the
atmosphere or to the agents contained in the different liquid and solid matters with
which their use may bring them in contact, this quality rendering them peculiarly
adaptable to all gilding and plating processes.
Lastly, these alloys are superior to any German silver known with reference to
their malleability, ductility, tenacity, and facility of working, being easily fashioned;
chased, and embossed in the usual manner.
In carrying out the first part of my Invention for the manufacture of a new
metallic alloy containing cadmium possessing the qualities before mentioned, I melt
the metals composing the alloy in a crucible, according to the following formula,
No. 1, which I give as an example:-
ስለ
The proportions of zinc, tin, and cadmium may be varied according to the pur-
poses for which such alloys may be required, or as more or less homogeneity,
hardness, and whiteness is desired; the use of cadmium in any proportion alloyed
with copper, zinc, and tin being a novel feature of my Invention, is therefore claimed
by me.
The flux which I use for introducing the cadmium is tartrate acid of potash car-
bonized in the proportion of about three to one of the cadmium used, adding
powdered charcoal to avoid as much as possible the oxidation of the copper, volati-
lization of zinc, and the sudden consequent cooling, thus maintaining the heat as
much as possible during the mixing.
The above metallic compound or alloy being costly, I find it advantageous to
employ the following modification of the above formula, the proportions of which
may be varied according to the purpose for which the alloy is required :-
Formula No. 2,―
650.00 parts of copper
50 or one half part of lead
175.00 parts of nickel
.50
tin
"
"
1.00
cadmium

page_text: According to another part of my. Invention I dispense with the use of cadmium
and make a new alloy (which is a good substitute for German silver) of certain
metals in the following proportions, or thereabouts :—
' up to 5Ụ or one nan part of lead
250.00 parts of nickel
The small proportion of lead first melted with the copper in the above formula is
the cause of the intimate union of the copper and nickel, whereby alloys of such
metals are obtained of superior quality to any yet known.
"
The addition of tin and of zinc to the formulas above given have each specific
objects, viz., to impart superior qualities to the alloys containing them; for
instance, improved color, comparative freedom from oxidation, facility of working,
and greater cheapness.
Having thus described the nature of my Invention, and the manner of performing
or carrying the same into practice, what I claim is,-
First. The manufacture of the new or improved metallic alloys containing
cadmium in any suitable proportion, as hereinbefore described with reference to
formula No. 1.
Secondly. I claim the manufacture of new or improved metallic alloys con-
taining lead and cadmium, as hereinbefore described with reference to formula
No. 2.
Thirdly. I claim the manufacture of new or improved metallic alloys containing
a small proportion of lead, as hereinbefore described with reference to formula
No. 3.
Fourthly. I claim the manufacture of new or improved metallic alloys containing
a small proportion of lead with copper and nickel, substantially as herein before
described with reference to formula Ño. 4.
I also claim the method of compounding the metals for making the above

page_text: described metallic alloys by first melting the lead with the copper before adding the
other metals to form the alloys containing lead, as hereinbefore described.
In witness whereof, I, the said Octave Lechesne, have hereunto set my hand
and seal, this Twenty sixth day of May, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and seventy nine.
LECUENT
(TO)
O. LECHESNE
(12.)