Nickel/German Silver

I've noticed that a couple of watchmakers make extensive use of German silver in their movements.

An independent Irish watchmaker based in Switzerland makes an amazing minute-repeater. You can see it be taken apart here (A hammer is used at one point!) -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KYwBeiGy_RQ

Also A. Lange & Sohne, a German watchmaker also uses it. There is a factory walk-through here-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGAsib-4mCk

I know that German silver is essentially nickel silver. My question is, is there a "horological grade" of NS or something similar? Sort of a NS version of CZ120?

Also was it ever used much in clocks or pocket watches?

Cheers

Steve

To the best of my very limited knowledge, Steve ... the grade is the same as that used for cutlery.

Very happy to be proved wrong [and thus learn something].

MichaelG.

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Edit: ... just found this page:

https://www.smithmetal.com/nickel-silver.htm

Edited By Michael Gilligan on 29/01/2019 18:33:09

The only thing i have ever heard German silver or nickle silver being used for was the famous grills on rolls royce motorcars.

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Guess what the 'NS' stands for, in EPNS

MichaelG.

I have a couple of top-grade early 20thC terrestrial telescopes made by Negretti & Zambra in nickel-silver. Their contemporary catalogue claims that the additional strength of NS tubing as compared to brass allowed a weight reduction of 9 and 13 oz. against the same models in brass.

For something you might be carrying around for hours, that counts.

Edited By Mick B1 on 29/01/2019 19:52:02

To Ronan Walsh

It is also used in model railway rails, electrical equipment particularly heating elements, electrical parts to hold contacts, musical instruments, food and beverage dispensers, high end cabinet hardware, and some kinds of jewellery. Maybe other things also, but I've come across it in all those applications.

Edited By Harry Wilkes on 29/01/2019 21:13:27

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I used to buy small quantities [and off-cuts] from the counter when we lived in Biggleswade, but that was decades ago.

They were always very helpful there ... but things may have changed.

MichaelG

I have used the Nottingham branch of Smiths some time ago (I've now moved away) and they were always very helpful and knowledgable. And the prices were reasonable too.

Brian

That sounds encouraging, I'll try the North London branch.

By the way, my late Mother in law worked at Biggleswade Smiths decades ago.

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Was she the nice lady in accounts, who turned a blind eye when the guys disappeared to find just the right size of bar-end?

... or did she work at WHSmiths ?

MichaelG.

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P.S. ... if NS103 would do : 'Noggin End Metals' lists small quantities

https://www.nogginend.com/product/Nickel-Silver-Sheet

Edited By Michael Gilligan on 30/01/2019 18:50:30

Not just Rolls Royce but nearly all motor cars made during the 1920s. Cost cutting in the 30s led to it being replaced by chrome plated steel.

Russell