LaSalle Hotel Chicago Hardware
This is a complete hardware set that was removed from the LaSalle Hotel in Chicago, Ill.? This set has an indicator for both locked and unlocked that is incorporated into the turn piece (a similar feature that is still in use today with hardware).
Blackstone Chicago
This detailed knob was made by Yale & Towne for the Blackstone Theatre & Hotel in Chicago.? We have a few of these complete sets available for sale at our shop in Wilmette, Ill.
Flea Market Hardware
?
These are some more of the same hardware vendor in France.? Look for unique door knockers or drawer pulls from these trips.? It is fun to bring the memories of a trip home (we have some pulls from Spain in our bath rooms).
In your travels…
?
?
For those of you that like to look at hardware.? Keep your eye out in markets where you travel.? This is some hardware that was in a flea market this week in France.
Boston Traditional Building Show
?
?
We will be in Boston, Mass next spring at the Traditional Building Show.? This show has been a great resource for architects, builders and homeowners.? We have been successful at using this venue to connect and build new relationships with firms from all over the country.? We look forward to seeing you next year if you missed us this spring.
Frank Lloyd Wright Hardware REBORN
?
These flush bolts were missing from a Frank Lloyd Wright home in Chicago.? We had the opportunity to recreate this hardware for a special home.? The entire exposed surface was hand hammered, polished to a mirror finish and hand waxed.? Be sure to note the knurl on the knob – these knurls are especially difficult to reproduce.?
?We have had the opportunity to work in many of the historical Frank Lloyd Wright homes including this home over the past years.
Restoration Hardware
?
These are some pieces of salvage hardware we restored for a vintage condo in Chicago, Illinois.? The bronze hardware was all originally made by Yale & Towne at the turn of the century.? The nickel hardware will be going on the interior of the bathrooms of the condo (these were removed from a circa 1890 convent that was torn down in Chicago a few years ago).
Hardware Restoration Wilmette
?
?
?
This hardware was removed by a local homeowner and restored in Antique Nickel.? The wood trim was all finished by the homeowner with great detail.? The locks were also rebuilt during the process of the restoration of this home.
Old Governor’s Mansion Georgia
?
?
??
The hardware in the Old Governor’s Mansion is a fine example of quality and style that was made about 150 years ago.? The hardware is all silver plated – even the mortise lock bodies were silver plated.? All of the mortise locks were originally hand made and hand fit to keys.?
Wilmette Hardware was able to replicate all the hardware including: lock cases, hinges, knobs, rosettes, and keys.? The original hardware was also silver plated during the restoration process.
Dirty Nickel Finishes
?
?
?
???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
Our Dirty Nickel finish is rapidly increasing in popularity, becoming one of our most sought-after finishes. It emulates old nickel hardware while being a darker departure from our Antique Nickel finish. A “living” finish, it changes over time due to general wear and weather, and a few of these different phases are shown in the pictures. If you’re looking for a unique, distinguished finish for your home’s hardware, consider Dirty Nickel.
Dr. Door Knob
This photo was taken in Boston, Mass.? Russ Matney, Web Wilson (Dr Doorknob), and Greg Bettenhausen are shown here while attending a trade show.
Bronze Convent Peep-Holes
?
These fine peep holes were pulled out of a Chicago Convent prior to demolition a few years ago.? A couple of these had mirrors put on the inside so they were concealed from view.? It is interesting to find hardware like this (especially because it is almost guaranteed that nothing like this is made today).
Architectural Hardware Catalogs
Collecting old hardware and identifying it with old catalogs is tedious work.? Yale & Towne was one of the premier manufacturers of fine architectural hardware at the turn of the century.? The levers are good examples of the work that Linus Yale was providing his clients back when quality was still important to the industry at large.? Wilmette Hardware produces several versions of this fine hardware in a multitude of fine finishes.? If you enjoy old hardware be sure to search out these catalogs (we have a vast collection at our shop in Wilmette).
Wilmette Store Photos
?
Here are some photos of our shop from the 1950’s and back to the turn of the century just before becoming a restoration shop.? We have been in business since 1937 and at our present location since 1945.? About a decade ago we also aquired Gilbertson’s one of the premier restoration shops in Chicago, Illinois.?
Custom Old Nickel Pulls
?
?
?
??
?
?
These pulls were hand sculpted based on original hardware from the 1890’s.? The final finish was done by our staff in old nickel.? The hinges and other hardware on the project were also plated and finished to match.? It is always quite a treat to have the opportunity to create such fine hardware as this on projects.?
