How to Identify Antique Hardware

The term “hardware” refers to any metal item that attaches, secures or supports another object. Hardware can include hinges, handles, knobs, locks and other items. Antique hardware, which is typically older than 100 years old, offers a chance to add a bit of history and character to your home.

Whether you’re renovating an entire room or simply swapping out the pulls on your cabinets, antique hardware can help create a look that’s unique to your home. But not all vintage hardware is equal in style and quality, so it’s important to choose the right hardware for your project. Fortunately, there are many online resources available to help you find the perfect antique hardware for your home.

Before the Industrial Revolution, most hardware was handmade. As a result, people valued function over form, and many pieces were plain, heavy and practical. After the Industrial Revolution, new casting methods made it affordable to produce and market hardware in a wide variety of styles and materials. Hardware from this era is often more ornate and stylish.

Hardware finishes can also offer clues about the piece’s age. Satin nickel, for instance, was a popular finish during the 1910s and 1920s. It’s often less prone to fingerprints and coordinates well with other metal finishes like brass and bronze. Unlacquered polished brass is making a comeback as well, and its warm tones can complement most design styles.

In addition to finishing, construction and material also offer hints about the piece’s age. Drawer pulls, for example, went through distinct phases in their construction over the years, from sand cast to machined to wrought iron to welded steel. Antique Trader explains that examining the handle’s texture, shape and materials can reveal clues about its age.

Similarly, screws used to secure the hardware may reveal its age as well. Handmade screws will be more irregular in shape, size and thickness than machine-screws and have heads that are off center. The screw’s head may also have a small groove that was filed into it to reduce the likelihood of cross-threading.

Identifying the exact date of your furniture or cabinet hardware can be tricky, however. The ages of the previous residents of your house, along with prevailing and personal tastes, can make it difficult to determine exactly when or where your hardware was made. Fortunately, it’s possible to save your original hardware by using an expert restoration company. Many offer a selection of reproduction hardware that is a close match to your existing style and finish. Be sure to carefully measure your existing hardware and the antique hardware you’re looking to purchase to ensure that it’s a good fit. Hardware measurements can vary by up to 1/2″ or more, even if the pattern and style appear identical.