Chasers_pitch
Chaser's pitch
Thermal setting adhesive used by metalwork artisans
Chaser's pitch is a thermal adhesive used by goldsmiths, silversmiths, coppersmiths, and other metal cold-working artisans to hold a metal plate for repoussage and "chasing" (embossing) while it is being hammered out.
Generally, chaser's pitch must become soft or even liquid when heated at moderate temperatures, in order to fit the object and fill all its nooks and crannies. For many uses, it is desirable that the pitch is soft like glazing putty while it is still cool enough to be molded with the fingers. On the other hand, at room temperature it must be hard enough to hold the object. It must strongly adhere to the metal while it is cooling.[1]
There are many varieties of chaser's pitch available, that differ on the nature or the ingredients, physical properties (such as fusibility and hardness), or place of origin. Names include Swedish pitch, Red (or Brown) German pitch, green chaser's pitch, and black chaser's pitch.