<p>A corrosion resistant alloy has the following composition, by wt: (a) 43 to 48% of copper; (b) 33 to 38% of zinc; (c) 10 to 15% of nickel; (d) 3.5 to 6.5% of manganese; (e) 0 to 4% of lead. Independent claims are also included for the following: (a) a writing instrument made of this alloy; and (b) a method for the fabrication of this alloy.</p>