Dutch Metal — Chambers's Encyclopaedia

Dutch Metal, sometimes called Dutch gold or Dutch leaf, is an alloy of copper and zinc. In other words, it is a kind of brass containing a large percentage of copper. It is made in the same manner as gold-leaf, and is said not to exceed $\frac{1}{100}$ inch in thickness. Dutch leaf dissolves in strong nitric acid; true gold-leaf does not. The former is also easily tarnished. Ordinary Dutch metal is yellow, but a white kind is made, and both are used for coffin furniture.