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Antique hardware for the collector or home renovator is available on this site. You will find that much of the original antique hardware, dating from 1870 -1900, costs less than the reproductions.
Many items have become very difficult to find. Buy the true antique items, as opposed to the reproduction hardware, and it will continue to appreciate in value and bring you years of beauty.
A little history on antique hardware...
In the 1870's it was discovered that by using a new method in the construction of architectural hardware, called "compression", companies were able to produce extremely high quality items with incomparable detail. Combine this with outstanding designers of the times, and you'll find that this late Victorian - turn of the century period produced some of the finest doorknobs and door trimmings ever made.
It was common for a hardware company to design and make logos and symbols for an individual or place of business. The US government and individual state governments had many hardware items custom made for their major buildings. For example, the symbol for the "Scales of Justice" was incorporated into the doorknobs and plates that were designed for the Treasury Department.
Many Fraternal organizations had their own custom made designs. Much of the time, only the members of the organizations would know what these figural symbols meant, due to their well kept secrets. There was even competition between the different Fraternal organizations to have the better hardware.
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Figural designs are highly sought after by collectors, historians, and those restoring buildings. Some are very rare. Prices reflect the rarity and condition of the item. Examples include: soldiers heads, profiles of past Presidents, State and County seals, fancy profiles of a lady or man, and a variety of animals including some amazing mythological creatures.
For A Limited Time Only !
10% off orders over $100
15% off orders over $400
20% off orders over $700
Spend $100 or more
and get Free Shipping! (US only)
To take advantage of these limited time offers, please contact me directly - don't use the shopping cart.
Listed are the top dozen major companies that produced this fabulous hardware, which includes door knobs, door bells, hinges, escutcheons, door plates, hooks, brackets, and pulls.
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MCCCo |
Metallic Compression Casting Co Boston, MA
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| R&E |
Russell & Erwin Mfg. Co New Britain, CT
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| H&D |
Hopkins & Dickinson Darlington, NJ
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| Y&T |
Yale & Town Mfg. Co Stamford, CT
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| M&W |
Mallory, Wheeler& Co New Haven, CT
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| Corbin |
P&F Corbin New Britain, CT
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| Newman |
A.G. Newman New York City
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| Nashua |
Nausha Lock Company Nausha, NH |
| Norwalk |
Norwalk Lock Company. Norwalk, CT |
| RHCo |
Reading Hardware Company Reading, PA |
| Sargent |
Sargent &Company New Haven, CT |
| Robinson |
Enoch Robinson Company Boston, MA
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If you see an item that interests you,
email me.
I'm always glad to send additional photos.
Tom Iannucci
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