Titanium {1910}  History

Titanium was first recognized in 1791 but not successfully processed into a pure form until 1910 then in any quantity until 1925.  Even the most modern titanium processing is expensive, dangerous, and improbable looking. 

Vanadium

First discovered in 1801 but not isolated into a usable form until the 1860s.  Alloyed with steels it both increases ductile strength and reduces weight.  Helps make superior gears and was used by Henry Ford in his early Model T chassis which is one of the reasons that so many Model Ts are still roadworthy a century later. 

Molybdenum

There is a legend that 14th century Japanese swordsmiths intended to add molybdenum to their blades making them lighter and much tougher.  The secret was either lost shortly or the fortuitous accident was not repeated in later Japanese swords. 

Although Molybdenum was officially identified in the 18th century its value in steel alloys was not appreciated until WW I where is allowed the production of superior armor plating and Krupp Steel's infamous super howitzer known as Big Bertha.

Molybdenum could have advanced steam age technology significantly if it had only been tried decades earlier.  It is still a fairly common addition to stainless steels sometimes referred to as Chrome-Moly. 

You might want to look this old movie up for more.