Drawer Pulls Dating Antique Furniture Handles
Drawer pulls are an essential piece of hardware that adds both functionality and style to antique furniture. They are also known as handles, knobs, or pulls, and can be made of various materials such as wood, metal, or glass. Drawer pulls are not only used for opening and closing drawers but also add a decorative touch to the furniture piece.
Types of Drawer Pulls
Antique furniture handles come in various styles such as bail, Hepplewhite, Chippendale, Victorian, and Art Deco. Bail pulls are a common style of drawer pull that has two handles attached to a single plate. Hepplewhite pulls are known for their oval shape and are often made of brass. Chippendale pulls are characterized by their intricate design and are often made of wood or brass. Victorian pulls are known for their ornate design and are often made of brass or iron. Art Deco pulls are known for their geometric shapes and are often made of metal or glass.
Dating Antique Furniture Handles
Antique furniture handles can provide valuable information about the age and origin of a piece of furniture. The style of the drawer pull can give clues about the period in which the furniture was made. For example, Chippendale pulls were popular in the 18th century, while Art Deco pulls were popular in the 1920s and 1930s. The material used to make the drawer pull can also provide clues about the age of the furniture. For example, brass pulls were popular in the 18th and 19th centuries, while Bakelite pulls were popular in the 1930s and 1940s.
Restoring Antique Furniture Handles
If you are restoring antique furniture, it is important to pay attention to the drawer pulls. If the pulls are missing or damaged, you can replace them with period-appropriate pulls. You can find antique pulls at flea markets, auctions, and online marketplaces. If you cannot find antique pulls, you can have replicas made by a skilled craftsman. When replacing pulls, it is important to match the size, shape, and style of the original pulls as closely as possible.
Caring for Antique Furniture Handles
Antique furniture handles require special care to keep them looking their best. To clean brass pulls, use a soft cloth and a brass cleaner. For wood pulls, use a soft cloth and a wood cleaner. Glass pulls can be cleaned with a soft cloth and glass cleaner. It is important to avoid using abrasive cleaners or steel wool, as they can scratch the surface of the pulls.
Conclusion
Drawer pulls are an important part of antique furniture and can provide valuable information about the age and origin of a piece. By paying attention to the style and material of the drawer pulls, you can gain insight into the history of the furniture. If you are restoring antique furniture, it is important to match the pulls as closely as possible to the original pulls. With proper care, antique furniture handles can last for many years to come.
