ormolu

An alloy, principally made in England, which consists mainly of copper and zinc. It is light yellow in colour.

Ormolu is, in fact, a kind of brass, which does not need gilding, although it is normally covered with a clear lacquer.

The name "ormolu" is derived from the French dorure d'or moulu - literally, gilding with powdered or milled gold - and has been used in England since circa 1770.