Victorian Hardware - A Treasured Antique for Collectors and Design Lovers

The Allure of Victorian Hardware

The Victorian era, spanning 1837 to 1901 during the reign of Queen Victoria in England, was a time of great innovation and design in architectural hardware. As the Industrial Revolution brought about technological advancements, decorative door knobs, hinges, hooks, and other hardware pieces became more intricate and highly styled. For collectors and history buffs today, Victorian hardware offers a tangible connection to the craftsmanship and aesthetic sensibilities of the 19th century.

Styles and Materials of Victorian Hardware

Victorian hardware encompassed a wide range of materials and designs. Brass, bronze, cast iron, and sterling silver were all popular metals used by artisans of the day. Stylistically, Gothic Revival, Italianate, and Rococo Revival motifs were prevalent. Common motifs included flora and fauna, mythological creatures like dragons and griffins, as well as architectural elements like scrolls and arches.

Victorian door knobs and hinges often featured decorative keyhole covers and backplates. Drawer pulls, hooks, and cabinet latches offered ornate shapes and patterns. Locks were artistic as well as functional. The ornate detailing and craftsmanship of Victorian hardware pieces made them like miniature works of art.

Notable Makers of Victorian Hardware

Certain manufacturers dominated the Victorian hardware market on both sides of the Atlantic. In the United States, companies like Russell & Erwin, Corbin, and Yale & Towne manufactured locks and decorative brass hardware. The American Lock Company was founded in 1871 and patented innovative pin tumbler lock designs still used today.

In England, craftsmen like Robert Bakewell shaped bronze door fittings with naturalistic designs. Furniture makers like Christopher Dresser created decorative hinges, escutcheons, and pulls for cabinets and cupboards. Birmingham was the hub of metalworking innovation in Victorian England, producing many hardware manufacturers and patentees.

Collecting and Displaying Victorian Hardware

For today's antique collectors, Victorian hardware offers a treasure trove of unique pieces. Door knobs, hinges, and window latches salvaged from old houses can be cleaned and restored to their former glory. Online auctions and antique shops provide other venues to find vintage hardware. Collectors must be wary of reproductions and verify the age of pieces through research and authentication.

Displaying a collection of Victorian hardware is an opportunity to appreciate the craftsmanship up close. Hardware pieces can be exhibited in glass-fronted cabinets, mounted on boards or plaques, or installed as functional fixtures in a heritage home. When mounted on boards, knobs and pulls are best grouped by themes, materials, or manufacturers. Proper lighting illuminates the details and artistry of each piece.

Value of Victorian Hardware

As with any antique, condition greatly impacts value along with rarity and materials. Unique one-of-a-kind pieces or hardware from a notable manufacturer fetch higher prices. Patinated finishes and surface wear are indications of age but excessive restoration lowers value for serious collectors. Smaller mass-produced knobs and pulls are less valuable than larger custom-made statement pieces.

Rare examples of 19th century hardware in pristine condition can command prices in the thousands. For most novice collectors though, building a general collection based on aesthetics and decorative appeal is a rewarding goal. Even common vintage hardware is a pleasure to display.

Preserving and Appreciating Victorian Hardware

Victorian hardware provides a tangible link to the 19th century designers and manufacturers whose skill brought beauty to utilitarian objects. For preservation-minded collectors, restoring original finishes and repairing mechanisms maintains integrity and function. But beyond caretaking, studying the stories, craft, and innovations behind decorative hardware deepens one's appreciation of the Victorian era.

Displaying antique hardware allows us to elevate utilitarian objects to art pieces. The creativity and technical advances that brought elaborate decoration to door hinges and drawer pulls hint at the changing sensibilities and rapid progress of the Industrial Age. Victorian hardware deserves recognition as examples of both 19th century artistry and innovation.

FAQs

What are the most common materials used in Victorian hardware?

Brass, bronze, cast iron, and sterling silver were the most popular metals used in Victorian hardware. Brass was widely used for door knobs, hinges, pulls, and other decorative hardware.

What are some iconic Victorian hardware manufacturers?

Notable Victorian hardware companies included Yale & Towne, Russell & Erwin, and Corbin in the US and Robert Bakewell in England. The American Lock Company was known for its innovative lock designs.

Where can I find Victorian hardware to add to my collection?

Antique stores, architectural salvage companies, and online auctions are good places to find vintage Victorian hardware. Reproduction pieces are also available but lack the value of original antiques.

How do I display my collection of Victorian hardware?

Victorian hardware looks striking displayed together in a glass-front cabinet or mounted as a collection on a decorative board or plaque. Proper lighting highlights the details and artistry.

What impacts the value and price of antique Victorian hardware?

The condition, rarity, manufacturer, materials, and size of a piece impact value. One-of-a-kind and custom pieces in good condition bring higher prices. Excessive restoration lowers value for serious collectors.