DUTCH METAL. A variety of brass, in which the propor tion of zinc is high, giving the alloy a yellow colour, simulating gold. The proportions of copper and zinc in dutch metal range from to 85:15, the colour becoming paler with the higher zinc content. Dutch metal is used in bronzing, and in the prep aration of imitation gold-leaf, its great ductility lending itself to the purpose. Gilding with dutch metal costs less than one-third the price of real gilding, but the work rapidly tarnishes unless coated with a lacquer. (See BRAss.)