Antique Style Hardware

What is antique style hardware? I suppose it means different things to different people. But at Horton Brasses it means careful, authentic reproductions of period masterpieces. Our reproductions are all handmade, and largely made by skilled craftspeople in our own Connecticut factory. Each one is an exact copy of an early American original.

Where do they come from? Our originals came from our founders, Frank and Angeline Horton. Angeline was a well-known Connecticut antique dealer in the 1920’s and 30’s. Frank was a diesinker by trade and an artist with metal. Angeline would have an antique piece of furniture that needed an extra piece. She would give it to Frank, he would make the tool by hand, and produce her part. As his skills became more known over the years, antique dealers from up and down the east coast were coming to Frank and Angeline for replacement hardware.

Over time, the selection grew, and by 1936 Horton Brasses was born. While Angeline still sold antiques, the primary business became reproduction antique furniture hardware with a specialization in early American styles. By the late 1940’s Horton Brasses was publishing a small print catalog that was run off on a mimeograph machine and here we are.

Whether working on an antique original or building a quality reproduction, antique style hardware has a look that contemporary pieces simply do not possess. Details, texture and perfectly imperfect shapes are part of the beauty. Each tool was made by hand and the imperfections give the pieces a depth that modern production techniques can’t duplicate. Whether working on an antique original or building a new piece, using a quality reproduction is a key detail in getting your piece done right.

Horton Brasses designs,  manufactures, and distributes of authentic antique reproductions that are made to last forever. We are part pf making the next generation of antiques, and we always have been. Each piece we make is done the right way with no compromises on the quality. At the same time, simple innovations can give traditional styles and forms new life. Traditional Chippendale style pulls in polished nickel? Why not? We can do it. Simple adjustments to the fittings to make them more practical? We offer a machine screw fitted post as an alternative to a post and nut or cotter pin fitting. We make hardware that works, that looks right, that lasts, and can make using it a little easier.

Horton Brasses styles cover a wide range of time periods: William and Mary, Queen Anne, Chippendale, Hepplewhite & Sheraton (American Federal), Victorian, Eastlake, and Arts & Crafts. Looking for something new with a grounding in old world manufacturing techniques? Our line of kitchen hardware line has offerings that can be used for the most period unfitted kitchens to the most luxurious contemporary kitchens.

More About Our Products