Late medieval copper alloying practices: a view from a Parisian workshop of the 14th century AD

► We analysed the elemental composition of 161 copper-based day to day items coming from a recently excavated foundry workshop at Paris, 14th c. AD. ► 8 types of alloys have been sorted out. ► We show that the forming processes partly influence the alloy choice, whereas economics happen to be the predominant criterion for alloying strategy. ► We propose a model for alloy elaboration based on dilution of brass master alloy by scrap metal.