Precision Hardware for Furniture Restoration

Discover authentic vintage hardware components and replacement parts for furniture repair. Our curated collection connects restoration enthusiasts with the precise hardware needed to bring period pieces back to their original condition.

Whether you're working with Art Nouveau drawer pulls or mid-century modern hinges, finding the right hardware requires understanding materials, finishes, and mechanical compatibility.

Understanding Hardware Compatibility

Material Matching

Successful hardware replacement begins with material identification. Brass, steel, and bronze each have distinct aging patterns and mechanical properties. Matching the original material ensures both aesthetic harmony and functional longevity.

Oxidation rates vary significantly between metals. A brass hinge from the 1920s will develop a patina that differs from a steel counterpart, even when exposed to similar conditions.

Period-Specific Design

Hardware design reflects the manufacturing techniques and aesthetic preferences of its era. Victorian hardware features ornate details and cast construction, while Bauhaus pieces emphasize clean lines and stamped production methods.

Identifying period-appropriate hardware requires knowledge of design movements, manufacturing dates, and regional variations in production techniques.

Mechanical Functionality Assessment

Beyond visual matching, hardware must function correctly within its intended application. Mortise locks require precise cavity dimensions, while surface-mounted hinges need adequate clearance for door swing.

Understanding the internal mechanics of hardware components helps identify compatible replacements when exact matches aren't available. Many restoration projects benefit from adapting modern hardware to period-appropriate aesthetics.

Sourcing Strategies

Architectural Salvage

Salvage yards and architectural reclamation centers offer authentic period hardware removed from demolished buildings. These sources provide genuine components with natural aging and proven durability.

Specialized Dealers

Hardware specialists maintain inventories of rare and discontinued components. These dealers understand period authenticity and can help identify compatible alternatives when exact matches aren't available.

Custom Fabrication

For unique or damaged hardware, custom fabrication may be necessary. Skilled metalworkers can recreate period-appropriate components using traditional techniques and modern precision tools.

Finish Preservation Techniques

Original hardware finishes tell the story of a piece's history. Preserving these finishes requires understanding the difference between living finishes that change with use and lacquered finishes designed to remain constant.

Brass and bronze develop protective patinas over time. Removing these patinas can diminish both aesthetic value and historical authenticity. Careful cleaning preserves character while maintaining functionality.

Restoration Resources

Identification Guides

Our Patina Guide helps distinguish between different metal aging patterns and finish types. Understanding these distinctions enables accurate hardware matching and appropriate restoration approaches.

Explore Patina Guide

Mechanical Documentation

The Casting Registry provides detailed breakdowns of hardware anatomy, showing how mortise locks, escutcheons, and hinges function internally. This knowledge aids in compatibility assessment.

View Casting Registry

Period Identification Methods

Identifying hardware periods requires examining design elements, manufacturing marks, and material characteristics. Art Nouveau hardware features flowing organic forms, while Art Deco emphasizes geometric patterns.

Our Sourcing Guide provides techniques for identifying hardware periods and locating compatible components through flea markets, salvage yards, and specialized dealers.

Get Started

Need Assistance Finding Hardware?

Whether you're restoring a family heirloom or working on a period-accurate reproduction, proper hardware sourcing is essential. Contact us to discuss your project requirements.