An alloy invented by John A. Tobin of U.S. Navy, composed mainly of copper, zinc, tin, with some iron, and lead; one kind is called delta-metal (see DELTA 4).
Used for articles of domestic use, parts of machines, parts of ships exposed to the constant action of salt water, etc.
[1882. (Dec. 14) J. A. Tobin, U.S. Patent Specif., No. 309011. The essential elements of my alloy are copper, zinc, and tin.]
1891. Jrnl. Franklin Inst., CXXXII. 55. The Ansonia Brass and Copper Company … are … the sole manufacturers of Tobin bronze.
1893. C. B. Vaux, in Outing (U.S.), XXII. 147/1. The fin [center-board of a sailing boat] is of Tobin bronze, one-quarter inch thick, six feet long on upper edge.
1899. Westm. Gaz., 12 June, 7/2. The quality of the skin material … has been the subject of much thought and experiment, resulting in the use of Tobin bronze, as contrasted with manganese bronze in Defender [a racing yacht].
