Table of Contents
What are antique drawer pulls made of?
Drawer pulls are most commonly made of brass, an alloy of copper and zinc. It’s a tradition that dates to the William and Mary period when round drop pulls were cast. These early round or pear shaped pulls were usually flat or hollow on the back.
How do you date an old chest of drawers?
If the handles are original it will give a very good indication of the age of the chest. A pear drop handle will suggest the chest will be William and Mary or Queen Anne period whereas a swan neck handle would be found on pieces that post date 1750. Drawer mouldings will also give an indication of the age of the chest.
How do you clean old drawer pulls?
1. Baking Soda Boil some water in a small pot. Once the water is boiling, sprinkle in some baking soda. Use metal tongs to dip your drawer pulls into the bubbly baking soda water. Hold the drawer pulls in the water for a minute or so and watch the rust and dirt float away (so satisfying!).
What color is antique brass?
Antique brass is treated to appear aged; it’s typically a rich, deep brown shade with golden undertones. This warm, low-luster finish is most similar to natural brass but will not tarnish or patina.
Is antique brass the same as brushed brass?
Aged Brass: Classic brass with a matte coating for a timeless vintage-inspired look. Brushed Satin Brass: A gold-toned matte brass; pairs well with our Aged Brass. Old Brass: Slightly darker than Aged Brass, Old Brass features a satin-brushed finish.
How is brass hardware made?
EVOLUTION OF A DOOR KNOB Cut A billet of brass is cut from bar stock of the correct diameter. Forged The knob’s shape after the heated billet is pounded into the die. Trimmed A stamping press takes off the thin metal skirt leftover by the forge. Ground An abrasive grinding belt strips off forge oxidation.
How can you tell how old furniture is?
How to Determine the Age of Antique Furniture Look Past the Style of a Piece. Examine Bottoms, Insides, and Backs. Check for Perfectly Matching Elements. Try to Figure Out What Tools Were Used. Look at the Wood and Upholstery Fabric. Investigate the Screws and Other Hardware.
How can you tell how old a Cabinet is?
Look carefully at the bottom, sides, and back of the drawer; if the wood shows nicks or cuts, it was probably cut with a plane, a spokeshave, or a drawknife. Straight saw marks also indicate an old piece. If the wood shows circular or arc-shaped marks, it was cut by a circular saw, not in use until about 1860.
How do I know if my antique furniture is valuable?
The most valuable vintage furniture is rare. Consider whether your furniture is an unusual size, shape, or made for a specialized purpose. A unique carving motif, less common glass color, or otherwise atypical design may increase the value of your furniture.
How old is something that is vintage?
Most antique dealers consider an item to be vintage if it is at least 40 years old. So, in the context of this blog date, a vintage item would be made between 1918 and 1978.
How do you know if something is antique?
How to Identify Antique Furniture Examine all sides of the piece. If it’s a table, turn it over and look for marks or labels. Check the surface of the piece. Do you see saw marks? Look at the joinery. Are drawers dove-tailed? Check the finish of the piece.
How do you clean old brass drawer pulls?
Make a paste by dissolving a teaspoon of salt in 1/2 cup of vinegar and mixing in flour. Use the paste to rub dirt and discoloration from contours and corners and to polish the drawer pulls. Rub with a non-abrasive cloth to avoid scratching the metal. Clean the residue with another cloth.
How do you clean old brass hardware?
Mix ½ cup of baking soda with 1 cup of white vinegar to create a paste (you can also add 2 tbsp of table salt if your piece is badly tarnished). The paste will fizz for a few seconds. Once the paste has stopped fizzing, rub on to your brass hardware in circular motions with a toothbrush.
How do you clean old brass handles?
If you’re looking for a simple way to clean your brass handles, fill a container with warm water and add a few drops of dish soap. Then scrub the surface with a microfiber cloth or a clean toothbrush dipped into the cleaning solution. Once the brass is clean, dry it off with a clean cloth.
What is the difference between brass and antique brass?
Burnished Brass Vs Antique Brass The finish of antique brass is one that is appears aged and has a typically rich brown tone with golden undertones. Unlike polished brass, the golden colour is not shiny, it could continue to patina depending on the burnishing technique that is used.
Is antique brass the same as brushed gold?
Brass and gold do have similar colours, however gold is shinier and carries a more yellow tone. Brass has a slightly duller tone and isn’t quite vibrant. The slight dulled tone of brass makes it much more suitable for most homes as gold can be very over bearing.
What is the difference between satin brass and antique brass?
The difference between the two finishes is minimal, but it is noticeable. Satin Brass is a muted brass, with a textured finish. The finish tends to drift closer to a golden-brown color. Natural Brass is a brighter brass, with a softer finish.
