I have found a 60 year old set of great bedroom 3 & 4 dressers and matching bookshelf. Solid oak and in need of a light refinish.
But 2 of the 7 pull rings are missing. I am having trouble identify them to find a replacement. Please see the pictures attached.
I like the style used and want to keep and repair the 2 broken pulls.
I do not mind getting a different item just to get the needed parts to do the repair.
I’m not sure if this is the right place to ask this. But I though I’d start here. If there is better place to ask this, please post a name or link.
Anyone have any suggestions?
Many thanks for any help.
Replies
You are looking for the proverbial needle in the haystack. Finding matching hardware is probably a futile task.
I would take a different tack a look to have a local foundry make the replacement parts, you might be surprised on how easy it is to find someone who enjoys working metal as much as we do wood. If you can't find a local source there are national sources here is one I used once and was satisfied with the results.
https://www.vintagehardware.com/custom-restoration-hardware.php
I also don't think you will find an exact match. You could have new pieces made, but those look stamped, not cast, and not especially good quality.
If it were me, and I couldn't find originals, I'd buy new hardware that all matched. The style you are looking for, without seeing the furniture, seems to be "campaign furniture." I'd look at Horton Brasses and Whitechapel. Or cruise ebay for originals. But I'd guess that will be futile.
Many thanks to both of you for the kind replies.
That was what I was kind of thinking.
I'll keep looking and hopefully I run across something similar.
One thing; what is the correct name for this type of pull handle?
Dimensions would help
Dimensions are there, looks like 2 1/4" square. Ring pulls are not hard to come by but your exact match may be. I would do a search there is going to be someone out there and on the internet that sells old hardware and may have a whole drawer full of those.
Found these two using Google Lens, which is a great way to find hardware that is a close match. To do your own search, just copy and paste your image into the google search bar. It's petrifying...
https://www.inbrass.co.uk/acatalog/warriston-pull-handle-1.html
https://www.ebay.com/itm/195467054526?hash=item2d82be8dbe:g:eBcAAOSwVM1jJNUO
Sorry, I missed the ruler.
I don't know about any "exact" copy, but Baldwin Brass has a few similar styles that could be a good replacement.
Good luck
I think that's an interesting pull and probably looks right on the dresser. Replacing them all is certainly an option and the simplest but if I were in your shoes I might not give up too quickly on these. (Glutton for punishment, maybe.)
Is the original back plate stamped? How is the pull attached to the drawer front? Are there threaded posts to recieve screws?
A local foundry might be a good option. It might also be an option to find a machinist to make a stamping die. Another option would be to create a digitial 3D model from which you could have them 3D printed. There are companies out there that can make brass 3D printed parts.
Just for fun I created a 3D model similar to your backplate and then uploaded it to a 3D printing service that will make prints in brass.
What magic is this? I could have brass ball-and-claw feet?
Yes. You could have brass ball-and-claw feet. You could have them in silver, gold, or platinum, too. Of course finding shoes that fit might be a challenge. :)
I would not hesitate to change them for better newer pulls, they are made of thin stamped sheet metal and electro-plated, the pull ring is held by a weak steel ribbon hence it failed with use. Look for cast or forged hardware of the period or style matching the furniture which is likely mission style.
It will likely cost far, far more than the furniture. But that's what I do.
I use the nicest hardware I can find. But I'm not in business, it's for me, family, or friends.
I would also replace them with a better pull that is close in style. The originals are really really cheaply made and the ones that are intact will sooner rather than later be..."not intact".
WOW!
What a great community here!
Thanks everyone for all the work and advice.
Much to think about from all this.
The back-plates are screwed in from the inside. They can be easily removed. So all I need are 2 loops that are similar. And a way to hold them in place from the inside of the plate. Looks like there is about 7mm minus the metal plate to the wood inside. The loop is 5mm metal diameter, and 48mm across. There is a little carve out at the top of the ring to hold the metal clasp/staple.
I probably should have add these to the top post, but I was unsure about how this forum worked. But all of you are very nice in here.
Again thanks