Ironmongery is the general term for the metal fittings used on buildings and furniture, including door handles, knobs, hinges, locks, latches, bolts, knockers, letter plates, finger plates, window catches and cabinet hardware. Despite the name, ironmongery is made not only of iron but also of brass, bronze, steel and other metals.
Historic ironmongery was originally made by blacksmiths and locksmiths, with hand-forged strap hinges, latches and locks fitted to oak doors in medieval and Tudor buildings. From the eighteenth century Birmingham and the Black Country became major centres of production, supplying cast brass door furniture, rim locks and window fittings across Britain and the empire. Victorian manufacturers offered extensive catalogues of decorative ironmongery in many styles, and the Arts and Crafts movement revived hand-wrought designs. Antique ironmongery is widely sought for restoring period houses and furniture, where original or correct fittings make a considerable difference to authenticity. Buyers look for good-quality castings, sound mechanisms, working keys and an appropriate patina. Matching sets of handles and finger plates are particularly useful, and maker's marks on locks, such as those of Chubb, add interest.
