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Brass foundry castings - replacing and obtaining antique and accurate reproductions of brass castings.
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From vintage cars to sailing ships, antiques to houses - the authentic, contemporary brass casting completes the investment
| We cannot fail to see brass in almost any street in Britain. Enter any house and we will find brass fixtures, fittings and castings on furniture. Watch 'Antiques Roadshow' and see the disappointment on a once proud owners face, only to hear of the loss in value because the original antique drawer handles have been replaced with an inferior import.
When renovating property, contemporary brass finishings are as important as English Heritage paint colours and care should be taken to ensure that they are right. Anybody who has searched the worldwide web for 'brass' will quickly learn of the many Brass Bands we have in Britain ... and sadly, the lack of professional traditional craftsmen and forges, or brass foundries. If you are among the frustrated many who feel that quality, distinctive, stylish brass castings are disappearing - hang in there! Someone (me) has done a lot of legwork . |
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You may be an antiques restoration expert simply looking for a particular item or service such as; Barley twist turnings, Frets cut, Crestings carved, Old glass fitted , Marquetry, Capitals gilded, Plinths re-built etc. or an individual seeking a brass foundry casting. Here we have provided a glossary of terms relating to brass casting which may help identify a component.
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Because of the shortage of brass foundries in Britain, frustrated customers have purchased imported brass castings - to their disappointment. Often foundries specialise in plumbing and machinery casts where the delicate finish is not as important as a furniture handle, door knob or brass window fitting. It is important therefore to use British traditional foundries where craftsmen have amassed product knowledge through experience and by researching the type of fittings used in the 17th - 20th centuries - they should have a proven track record in faithfully reproducing copies from the originals that include the all important inconsistencies and blemishes that form the real character and charm of the past. Do not be afraid to ask for a guarantee that their products are hand-made and produced by the lost wax casting process where necessary. You can spend countless hours pouring over the finer detail of architects plans. At the start of your project choosing building fabric, flooring, wall coverings and door styles may be at the top of your priority list. |
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Then towards completion of your project you consider locks, latches, handles, hinge, letterboxes and maybe name plates, but local builders merchants only have a limited selection ideal for the average builder/chippy. The message here is; order your brass castings early. Most window suppliers will pare-fit casement stays and fasteners, but if you want them to match with door furniture or indeed match the period of your property then see if you can save money by not having the furniture pre-fitted. It is also time saving because it will save the need to exchange the mass produced brass fittings with contemporary reproductions. Once you have found an established brass foundry, you will be pleased to discover a whole new spectrum, including; butt hinges, strap hinges, rim latches, Suffolk latches, Norfolk latches, finger plates, escutcheons, knockers, knobs, grab handles, casement stays ... and much more. Remember though that certain styles are from a particular period and will obviously be at home on a certain style of door or window. For example, fitting elegant brass finger plates to rustic plank doors does not quite fit. Equally, hand forged strap hinges do not go together with panelled doors. However, there is an opportunity to mix and match contemporary and traditional materials if well thought out or with professional advice. I wouldn't suggest seeking such advice from your DIY shop or builders merchant. I used the internet to search www.google.co.uk for 'brass foundry' and was introduced to Brass Foundry Castings Ltd of Brasted Forge, Brasted, Kent, TN16 1JL, UK. Telephone:01959 563863, Fax: 01959 561262. Email: info@brasscastings.co.uk Web: www.brasscastings.co.uk. Contact name: Mr Raymond Konyn. If calling from outside the UK dial Tel: 44 1959 563863 Fax: 44 1959 561262 Thankfully Brass Foundry Castings came in at number one in Google which saved me trawling through every brass band related website in Britain! They can also be found through Antique Restortations.org.uk. It is inspiring to see an attractive website that is so easy to navigate. Brass Foundry Castings has the perfect mix of design and accessibility. The foundry was established in 1979 and proudly boasts a combined working experience of over 250 years, their craftsmen and craftswomen have acquired a knowledge of the products and their application through researching the type of fittings used in the 17th - 20th centuries and faithfully reproduce copies from the originals which include inconsistencies and blemishes forming the character and charm of the collection.
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News Release By
Peter Yexley
Tel: 01707 646457 |
