solid brass rim locks
This is a new rim lock that will be installed on exterior doors for a project on the east coast. This rim lock has the look of old while having the convenience of a keyed cylinder and egress that many projects today require. We can provide this lock in any finish (un-lacquered brass shown) including a waxed silver finish.
welcome new chicago area sales rep
We have a new Chicago area sales rep. serving our Wilmette Hardware line. Marc Burkes will be visiting with architects and designers to discuss our hardware product line. You can see what Marc has with him at www.marcsbag.com and schedule a meeting (under where is marc?).
concept turn pc and egress
Sometimes it starts from a simple sketch like this one and continues to a 3D rendering. Then we create either a prototype out of plastic (in this case because the parts are simple they will be made in brass). Our team will then finish these pieces so that the designer and architect can review and approve for our production run.
zinc and german siver sink details
We are in the process of making a zinc counter for a powder room in Chicago. This is a photo sent in by a friend of a powder room sink and backsplash. Look for more photos of samples and installations.
gropious levers | polished nickel
These gropious levers are finished in a highly polished nickel. The elbows are all machined and not cast providing extremely detailed and crisp lines. They will be installed in an apartment in Chicago.
wilmette hardware history | for press release 02-2010
walter baron, esq., an attorney who practiced in chicago, illinois provided funding for mr. burt allen to start a restoration and plating company in winnetka, illinois. al bar was founded and these two gentleman later merged with wilmette electroplaters (founded in 1937). they moved to our current location in the 1940’s. since then we have acquired gilbertson’s of chicago, a fine chicago silversmith.
with these combined talents and a desire for both quality and detailed workmanship wilmette hardware was established. our finishing is completed by hand – the old way – all under one roof in our facilities in wilmette, illinois. this allows for much better depth and quality of the finishes you see in our hardware.
wilmette hardware steps forward under the direction of gregory bettenhausen and a team of craftsmen. greg earned his bachelors degree in business finance from liberty university in lynchburg, virginia and his mba from lynchburg college in virginia.
we at al bar wilmette & wilmette hardware look forward to including your project in our history.
custom shower door pulls
Wilmette Hardware has several shower door pulls to choose from – we are working on a version of our Lowell pull in a shower door pull and towel bar now (check back soon for the completed pulls). We also can design and fabricate custom pulls to coordinate with your architectural hardware or fixtures.
power transfer | EPT-10
The EPT-10 power transfer allows a client with a more traditional architectural hardware schedule to get the functionality of an electric lock (vs an electric strike) in a new or historic door. The exterior lock and strike appear as they would on any other exterior door as the latch release is actually built into the lock.
the perkomatic door closer
The perkomatic closer is great for doors where an exposed closer is not preferred (garage doors, basement doors, etc). The perko is also available in a smooth acting fire rated version as well. When you start using these on projects you will never go back.
parliament hinges for casement windows
We just completed a project in Lake Forest, Illinois using our parliament hinges for all the french casement windows. The photos are forthcoming so don’t forget to check back in. Thanks for all the feed back on the german silver sink restoration project!
gropious levers | satin nickel
Here is another photo (taken with an iphone) of our gropious levers. These levers are at the new strength time workout facility in Kenilworth, Illinois. When you go to use their hardware be certain to check out our hardware.
traditional cabinet hinge detail
This photo was sent in by a friend who uses our hardware for all their millwork projects. This is just a great detail and design using very simple hardware.
salvage grip pull
This is a great example of a salvage piece of hardware that has been left to age on a great old door.
8 x 8 hinges ball bearing | oil rubbed bronze
These massive hinges were finished for a meeting house in Indiana by our shop. The bearings and quality of these original hinges are capital. The doors actually swing out so extra care was taken to provide enough plating and a special clear coat to protect it as long as possible from the environment.
custom gropious hardware | marvin exterior doors
This hardware was custom manufactured and hand finished by our folks here in Wilmette. The hardware is being installed on a home here in Lake Forest, Illinois. Custom shower door pulls and interior hardware is all being fabricated in the same design.
