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).

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.

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.

This hardware set is from the Lexington Hotel most famous for one of the notorious residents – Al Capone. The Lexington was located at Michigan Ave & 22nd Street in Chicago. The hotel was torn down in the 90′s and by then it was totally dilapidated. A piece of hardware like this is great for both a door knob collector or either Chicago or Capone memorabilia collector. This knob would most likely sell at auction for about $150.00. There are a few of these on display at Al Bar in Wilmette (plus we always bring items like this to trade shows).

These are some fine examples of tudor hardware that were restored in a home in Winnetka, Illinois. Original tudor hardware is very difficult to locate in salvage and we have successfully created 4 fine tudor suites of hardware available on www.wilmettehardware.com. We are constantly amazed at some of the fine hardware that was produced such as this 4 foot long hand hammered surface bolt. Take note of the original bottle glass front entry door that was restored by our clients painter. We would love to see some of your tudor hardware – be sure to send photos or questions to info@albarwilmette.com.

These are a couple of photos of some exterior hardware we just restored on a home in Lake Forest, Illinois. This type of hardware is finished the same day (to keep your house secure). We offer a service to have your hardware removed in the morning and re-installed at the end of the day. If you have any questions about finishes or to discuss our schedule give us a call at 866-823-8404.

These are some photos of an original knob along with the sculpt we will be making molds from on a project in Chicago, Illinois. It is important when making hardware by investment casting to have the highest level of detail prior to making molds. This project will be finished in a soft butler bronze and hand waxed.

The photos above are of our Yorktown (egg and dart pattern) hardware set. We just completed this installation in Hyde Park (Chicago, Illinois).

This hardware was based on an original set produced at the turn on the last century. We re-sculpted the knob and two versions of the plate (exterior & interior). The hardware is is investment cast and then all related components are machined to fit our exterior mortise case. This hardware is also able to be used on multi-point lock mechanisms. See more hardware like this at www.wilmettehardware.com.

Be sure to watch your area for our hardware restoration van. We may be in your area soon.

Some time ago we completed the restoration of the Butler Wallace House in Indiana. It certainly is a treat to be able to replicate original finishes and use so much original hardware on a project. Our client took several years to get all the details just right. We are so pleased with how the hardware compliments the look and feel of their home. These photos prove the importance of fine hardware in any project.

This rare french door knob was sold on ebay for 200.00. It has a knurled silver base with some very fine glass work. We have another original on display in Wilmette.