Babbitt is a tin-based or lead-based alloy with antimony
It is a white metal that is visually very similar to tin.
It was historically used as a cheaper replacement of bronze or copper for manufacturing little decorative objects (statues, ashtrays, candlesticks…)
The American inventor Isaac Babbitt invented and patented babbitt in 1839 as an anti-friction alloy aimed at improving the performance of plain bearings in turning machines.